Is your puppy biting you and other members of your family? Are you at your wit’s end trying to figure out how to teach him not to bite? Whether the biting is playful or aggressive, this behavior needs to stop now. If the puppy is allowed to continue biting while he is young, he will bite when he is an adult dog and that can spell big trouble for both you and your dog.
Types of biting
There are two types of bites: normal or playful bites and aggressive bites. Playful biting and nipping is a common behavior in litters of puppies. They roll around, play, frolic, bite and pinch. This is normal.
playful biting
When you bring your puppy home, you and your family become his litter or pack. Since biting was normal behavior in the litter pack, your pup will think it’s normal behavior in this new pack. When you play with or pet your puppy, you will find that your arm or hand, or both, will end up in his mouth. This is known as the mouth. All pups do, but it can’t be allowed to continue.
say no to playful biting
A puppy’s teeth are razor sharp. It won’t be long until your arms and hands are riddled with puncture marks. When your pup bites, hug him to his chest and cup your other hand around his muzzle, saying “No!” sharp and firm. After repeated and constant reprimands, the puppy will realize that his playful biting is not acceptable and he will give up the annoying habit.
When you wrap your hand around your puppy’s muzzle, do so gently but firmly. Make sure his hand is not on his nose. He has to be able to breathe while he is being reprimanded. This method of training will not work if other members of the pack (family) encourage rough play. Let all members of the pack know that horseplay will not be tolerated.
chew toys
Be sure to buy your pup plenty of chew toys. Encourage him to play with them. Praise him when he chews the right things. When he chews on household items, remove them and replace them with one of his toys. You will soon learn what is acceptable and what is not.
Repetition is the key to discouraging biting. Every time a puppy bites you, hug him, hold his mouth and say “No!” sign. You will be surprised how quickly your pup responds. Just like children, puppies quickly learn what they can and cannot do.
aggressive biting
The aggressive bite is accompanied by growling and a staring gaze. It is not a continuous action, but a snap, release, and withdrawal. When this happens, hold the puppy’s muzzle in the same way as explained to play bite, accompanied by a loud, high-pitched “No!”
Aggressive dogs don’t like to be held down; they like to be in control. This is out of the question. You are the leader of the pack and you have to teach your pup that you, and only you, have the dominant role.
One way to teach your puppy that you are dominant is to wrap him in a baby blanket or towel and lay him on your lap while you watch TV, read, or engage in conversation with someone. Hold him there for thirty to sixty minutes, until he stops moving and calms down. This sends you a strong message that says, “I’m in control.”
horseplay
Never play with an aggressive puppy. He plays more passive and fun games like hide and seek, fetch, sniff the treat, or leash training. It is imperative that the aggressive biting has stopped before your pup is four months old. The longer he is allowed to show aggression, the more difficult it will be to break the habit. In a litter pack situation, the pup’s mother and siblings would never tolerate aggression. He would be quickly admonished and put in his place. If he still hasn’t stopped biting aggressively, enroll him in a dominance training course taught by a professional. The expensive will be worth it for both you and your pet.
Biting in adult dogs
Adult dogs bite for only two reasons: uncontrolled dominance or fear. It is imperative that you never allow your pup to bite aggressively without a harsh reprimand. However, never hit your dog. Instead of eradicating aggression, hitting encourages it.
Take the control
Taking control and abolishing aggressive behavior the first time it occurs is much easier than waiting until it has occurred several times. Let your pet know early on that aggression of any kind is unacceptable.
Be consistent
To get your puppy to obey your commands, you must earn his respect and trust. You do this by teaching him basic commands while he is very young. Be consistent. Never let your pup get away with unacceptable behavior. He uses repetition. Do the same thing over and over and… well, you get the idea.
Praise
When your pup is successful in his efforts to please you, praise him and pat his head or scratch his ears. When it fails, try again. Never physically reprimand your dog. This generates fear and fear will make him bite.
Success
Interact with your dog. Play with him, walk with him and join him. This will make him want to please you, and when you chide him, he’ll get the message. Soon his pup will stop playing and biting aggressively and will mature into a happy, healthy dog that will bring much joy to his life.
