Lolo was an owner surrender to shelter, then immediately into a foster. I adopted her a 6 wks ago. She has a nipping habit. I want to break this. Advice needed?

It's so wonderful that Lola found her way to you! Nipping in a dog with her background is really common and very understandable — she's been through a lot of transitions in a short time, and she may still be figuring out how to communicate and where her boundaries are. The good news is that at 2 years old, this is absolutely something you can work on together.

Why nipping happens

Nipping is often a dog's way of saying something — "I'm overstimulated," "I'm nervous," "I want to play," or even "please stop." For a dog who's moved through a shelter and foster home before landing with you, the world may still feel a little unpredictable. That can make nipping more likely, especially during excitement or handling.

Things you can try at home

• Interrupt and redirect. The moment Lola nips, calmly say "ouch" or "no" in a firm (not angry) voice, then immediately offer her a chew toy or tug toy. You're teaching her what is okay to put her mouth on.
• Remove attention briefly. Turn your back, cross your arms, and go quiet for 10–15 seconds after a nip. Dogs are social — losing your attention is a meaningful consequence.
• Watch for her "tells." Most dogs give signals before they nip — stiffening, a hard stare, ears back, or a tucked tail. Learning her body language helps you step back before it escalates.
• Keep greetings calm. High-energy hellos can tip an already-excited dog into nipping. Ask visitors to stay low-key until she settles.
• Reward the good stuff. When she interacts gently — a soft nudge, leaning in, licking — mark it with a cheerful "yes!" and a treat. She'll start to learn that gentle contact pays off.
• Consistency matters most. Everyone in the household needs to respond the same way, every time. Mixed signals slow progress significantly.

Consider a trainer

Because Lola is newly adopted and still settling in, working with a positive-reinforcement trainer — even just a few sessions — can make a big difference. They can watch her body language in real time and give you personalized guidance. Look for someone who uses reward-based methods rather than punishment-based ones.

When to see your vet:

If the nipping is accompanied by growling, snapping, stiff body posture, or if she's ever broken skin, schedule a vet visit soon — ideally within the next week or two. Sometimes anxiety or an underlying physical discomfort (like pain she can't tell you about) can drive this kind of behavior, and a vet can help rule that out. Even without those signs, mentioning it at her next routine visit is a great idea so you can get a referral to a trainer or veterinary behaviorist if needed.