How to Stop a Puppy from Biting
Puppy biting is a normal dog behavior during play or the teething process. Puppies learn from their mother and other pack members when biting is acceptable and when it is not. When puppies bite a pack member, the pack member bites back to teach the puppy that biting is not acceptable behaviors. Dog owners take puppies away from the pack before they learn this lesson. It is now the dog owner’s responsibility to teach the puppy when the appropriate is to bite. Scolding, punishing, and hitting do not work, makes matters worse, and causes the puppy to distrust the owner.
Reasons why puppies bite:
· Teething
· Playing
· Lack of socialization
· Too much energy
· Lack of understanding and training
How to stop a puppy from biting:
· Neuter or spay the puppy
· Socialization can cause biting. Take your dog to dog parks or find other people who have dogs and schedule play dates.
· Supervise all the time. If unable to supervise use a crate to keep the puppy safe. Always walk the puppy on a leash.
· Make sure the dog gets enough exercise and attention from you. Both can be accomplished in about 1 hour a day of quality time walking, running, or playing fetch together. Show the puppy love sporadically during the day when he needs it.
· Be the pack leader. The pack leader sets the mood for the rest of the pack. If you are the lead the dog will respect and trust you and will tend not to bite.
· Do not keep the dog on a chain in the back yard for long periods of time. This causes the dog to bite due to frustration, lack of exercise and socialization, and lack of training. Dogs are pack animals and are not meant to be left alone on chains/leads in the yard.
· Do not wrestle or play tug-o-war with the dog. This encourages biting.
· Take the puppy to obedience classes. This will teach both of you to how to train the puppy and socialization with other puppies is a must for your puppy.
· Watch for dental problems. Consult your veterinarian if you think there may be dental problems occurring.
Stop the puppy from biting when caught in the act:
· Never hit, yell at, or discipline the puppy. He won’t understand and mistrust is developed. Use positive reinforcement instead.
· Provide a variety of safe chew toys.
· Yelp, as if you were a puppy and that bite hurt, (even if it didn’t). The puppy will jump with the sudden unexpected yelp and begin to understand that bites hurt.
· Stick a toy in his mouth after you yelp and anytime he comes to you wanting to play.
· Put the puppy down and ignore him.
· Praise and give treats for the appropriate behavior.
· Repeat the technique as many times as needed.
The puppy will get the picture. It won’t happen over night. Puppies are just like human babies, they need to bite for teething reasons. You just need to teach them what is appropriate to bite and what is not. Don’t give up! With the right tools and a great deal of patience, the puppy will learn. For more tips and info visit: The Ultimate House Training Guide and SitStayFetch - Dog Training To Stop Your Dog Behavioral Problems!
