any ideas on how to stop our bullmastiff pup nipping in play i trie to give her toys when she does this but she still goes for my hand.

Do you wiggle the toy to get her interested,and if necessary put a little peanut butter on it? :)
Also keep your own self totally still and she should go for the toy instead. Eventually she will always grab a toy instead of your hand almost as a reflex action.

Good luck
Lindsay
X

Hi Maysea,

My pup is doing the same thing with us, (nipping) and i have heard so many different opinions as to how to stop it.   I am assured by his breeder that he now classes us as his siblings and it is natural puppyhood.  Like us i guess you gind it painful at times when puppy teeth sink in.  I quickly offer him a toy as a distraction or i pick him up and say  firmly.  Live in the knowledge it wont last forever and be firm when you,ve had enough.  I walk away from my pup now and tell him i,m not interested in him until he stops the spitefulness.... Good luck :o)

janet gunns book on the bullmastiff tells you what to do when the puppy bites your hand, she says "when the pup bites your hand scream as loud as you can turn your back on the puppy and ignore it, once it looses interest resaume what you where doing" then keep doing the same thing. it should stop then.

Which is along the same lines in several puppy behavior books.  When a puppy bites your hand you let out a yelp, turn and ignore the dog.  Works for some, not for others.  :)