4 year old biting!

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maxapple

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I have read all the advice on the colt thread - so now need advice on how to deal with s biting 4 yr old.

I bought her a few weeks ago and think she has just learnt to get away with it at her last home. She is perfect in every other way.

She does it when I change rugs or put the saddle on - so I am getting her saddle and back checked to ensure it's not pain related, but she also does it at other opportune moments such as when I'm picking her feet out. She's worse in the stable. I can tie her up short to stop her doing it - but she's such a poppet in every other way I'd like to teach her how to be rugged etc without nipping.
 
Do a disapproving noise of your choice in a low growling tone, or ah ah ah ah in a sharp tone! They soon learn what is acceptable and what's not!! Make sure you have a praise noise too!!:D
 
Up turned dandy brush I found to be very effective, a good stiff one. My colt soon packed up biting when he stuck his nose onto the bristles a few times.
 
Assuming you are stood at her shoulder or there abouts when putting the saddle on, if you lift your elbow the horses mouth will collide with the point of your elbow. Unless the horse has its jaw open to maximum capacity and you aim your elbow inside, it is unlikely the horse will bite you. Neither am I advocating elbowing horses in the face, if the horse turns round to bite & bangs its own nose then its caused its own punishment. Like a natural & ever-present version of your dandy brush idea.
 
*Mini Rant*
Same problem today with baby highland (not mine!)
Seems to have it in his head that biting or atleast trying to bite is ok! -Sweetheart in every other way!
He is only three bless him and this has just started really, so we are having a little teenage tantrum phase!
So today we did some respect lessons, not letting him get in my space, backing up when I ask him. Yielding away from me with the slight touch, when I step into his space, him respectfully stepping back. Has worked a treat (for now) - and titbits, big No No!

The same little fella used to turn round and try to nip when getting girth'd or roller'd up. A quick dart at his face when he turned round seemed to do the trick- but I wouldn't be trying this with anything spooky ;)

All the best- she might even grow out of it! x
 
My 3yo was the gentlest with er mouth til people started giving food.... She only tried it with me once. I was crouched down, she licked me for ages then she looked me in the eye and bit down in slow motion. I left to my feet shouted ow and then crouched back down. She wasn't spooked but hasn't tried it since as it didn't get her the reaction shed wanted of food!

Pan
 
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