Stop Your Puppy From Biting

Posted by Puppy Trainer on February 25th, 2010 filed in Dogs

Puppy Training Starts on Day One

It is always an exciting venture when you get a new puppy. However, this new and exciting venture also brings with it a lot of responsibility. After you have his area prepared, proper training is the next responsibility in order. Everything you do with your puppy reinforces behaviors that continue into his adults years, so training starts on day one. Consistent puppy training and adult dog training will produce an enjoyable experience for all people that meet your dog during its lifetime. Don’t confuse your dog and expect him to understand that it is OK to have a certain behavior with you and not with a guest. They do not have the “noodle” capacity. Just be consistent.

Stop Your Puppy Biting

You can stop your puppy biting. Puppies natuaral bite and chew on things as they explore the world, and most of the time, you will be the focus of his attention. Never hit or slap your puppy when they bite you in play (even when they are scared). Your puppy can get very confused because aggressive play is instinctive. Remember, your puppy has those instincts. One way to train the puppy to stop biting is to refuse to play aggressive games with it such as chasing, wrestling, even tug of war. I know its fune for you an your puppy, but it is hard to control and for your puppy to understand what is Ok and what is not OK. Remember, he will also play rough with your guests.

One of the best ways to train your puppy not to bite is to let out a sharp “Ouch!” whenever the puppy bites, then remove your eye contact briefly, then return your eyes back to your puppy. Are you aware that dogs use this method with each other? It’s true, the pup that was bit lets the other pup know it hurts and won’t play that way. This method uses a mild negative reinforcement to train your puppy that biting will not get him the attention that he wants.Reinforce your puppy’s good behavior after he calms down and does not try to bite you.

If your puppy bites down on your hand, place your thumb finger inside his mouth under your puppy’s tongue and hold onto the bottom of the jaw with the rest of your hand for about ten seconds. The pressure should only be firm enough so that your puppy cannot get away for that amount of time. Your puppy will not be able to bite down and this action will provide the negative reinforcement that the behavior he just did is not acceptable.