Scooby4, Usually the nipping comes when we play ball.I now wear gloves to protect my hands. He can't see the ball & gets upset when the other dog wants to play ball. I have two tennis balls I throw. It is so sad to see him now. He wants to play ball but his eye sight & hearing are so bad that it is almost impossible. It is heck getting old. When he is sleeping & I awaken him he usually jumps. I will take your suggestion & put my hand by his nose to let him smell first & then touch him on his shoulder instead of his head. He has always been a gentle soul.