I know you've probably gotten lots of various advice for your babie's
nipping problem, but I thought I'd tell you what works for me.
I've had my two girls for about two weeks. They're over a year old, and
when I got them, they would latch on like no tomorrow. I had heard every
piece of advice from jaw squeezing to nose thumping, all of which sounded
odd and a bit cruel. Then I just started doing what Momma Ferret would
normally do to a misbehaving baby- when they latch on, I say "NO!" in a
firm, commanding voice and take them by the scruff with my thumb and index
finger. They almost immediately let go, and get real mellow. One yawns,
the other spaces out. Sometimes a shake them EVER SO GENTLY. Just a teeny
wiggle, like a Momma ferret would. They get the message fairly quickly.
It's discipline that works best, not those painful, fear-inducing methods.
Just assert yourself as the Parent, and show them that it is not tolerated,
and they'll learn that you don't like that. Now, other people are a
different story-I almost feel like it's a domination thing. Strangers and
visitors to my room get good toe nips, and nip if picked up. THey're
either trying to protect me, or their space.
Either way, I accept it as part of the Fuzzie way, and keep patient.
They'll get over it eventually if you stay consistent.
Jessica
plus Bijoux and Francesca
[Posted in FML issue 3070]
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