Are you concerned that your puppy is biting and is getting difficult to manage? If yes then we have some information for you in this article. You might be perplexed at your puppy’s behaviour but this is quite common.
Puppies bite a lot when they are discovering and gaining knowledge about people and neighbouring areas. Some breeds have a habit of biting more than others. It may seem funny in the beginning but can get quite annoying especially if you are a victim.
Why Do Puppies Bite?
While playing, puppies often have the tendency to bite or chew on people’s fingers, limbs and clothes. Puppies are just like tiny tots and are quite endearing. They are inquisitive, and picky and are happy to explore the world with their minute knife-like teeth. As the little one nibbles your hand, you did probably wonder why your puppy bites you so much. Dog instructors term it as play biting, and could be quite painful.
It is not easy to train your puppy to stop biting. It takes a lot of persistence and patience. Some dogs are easier to train than others. However, there is no need to get anxious as you can train your puppy to curb his behaviour and stop biting people.
Here are ten methods that work best to stop your puppy from biting.
Ten Ways To Stop Your Puppy From Biting
Provide Another Object To Chew
The redirection method is best if you want to teach your puppy to stop biting. Your puppy may enjoy biting your hand and keep chasing after those delectable fingers of yours. At that time, you could give him a toy instead.
Move the toys around him or make noises to distract his attention from biting. If he continues to nip, you can stop playing immediately. Puppies often chase all kinds of stuff that moves including you as moving objects always fascinate them more than something still.
The entire training process may take time but gradually your puppy will start playing with the toys!
Reduce Energy Levels
If after substituting a toy several times, your puppy still keeps biting you then it is time for your pup to reduce excess energy levels.
Your puppy may just need to burn up some extra physical or mental energy. You can take your pup to the garden or the dog park and see them running around. It would help your puppy to quieten down.
Put Them in a Crate
Sometimes, your puppy may be very excited and start biting you. At that time, you could calm your puppy down by gently putting him in a crate.
Once your pup calms down, you can tenderly caress him and take your pup off the crate. Your puppy will stop biting and sooner or later start playing with you.
Express Pain as Your Puppy Bites You
While playing with your puppy, allow him to bite you. As your puppy bites, instantly give a high-pitched shout. Show your expression that you are very hurt and begin to limp your hand. It would alarm and frighten your puppy.
Yelping practice can help to curb biting tendencies in your pup to a great extent. However, at times, the yelping practice is ineffective in some pups.
Give Them Dog-Treats
Your puppy may pounce on your legs as you walk. It is usual playful behaviour.
You can entice your puppy with tasty dog treats, and prevent your pup from pouncing on your feet. Your puppy will finally happily walk nicely with you if they get treats.
Your Puppy Needs Some Respite
Very often, puppies begin to bite when they need a break. Your puppy may be hungry or thirsty and probably that is the reason why he is biting you.
Your pup may also need a potty break and needs to go out with you. Walking with your pup will gradually calm him down. Try to figure out if anything is bothering him to comfort and pacify him.
Clicker Training Teaches Bite Inhibition
Clicker training can help to curb the biting tendency in your pup. Wave your hand in front of your puppy and if he doesn’t bite you, click and give him a treat. The clicker sound itself is a signal to your pup that he did something right.
Clicker sound helps to teach your pup bite inhibition. It helps to build up better impulse control and reinforce positive behaviour in your pup. With consistent practice, the training can help to stop biting tendencies.
Praise Your Pup For Good Behaviour
Just like positive encouragement motivates a child acknowledging your pup’s good behaviour could make a huge difference. Applaud your puppy as often as you can when he is calm and quiet. You can gently pat or give some dog treats.
That way, you can help to reinforce positive behaviour in your pup. It would help your pup to curb the tendency of biting. Your puppy will also know that good behaviour is important.
Socialising With Other Pups
If you want your puppy to stop biting everything, then sign them up for a puppy kindergarten or doggy daycare for a while. You can provide your pup a chance to socialise with other dogs.
It can be a huge challenge at first to teach your little play biter to control his mouth but with patience and consistency, you can help to moderate your pup’s behaviour. Your puppy can pick up good manners including better bite inhibition.
Try to introduce your puppy to other dogs in your area if you are unable to enrol in a class. You can also invite your friends’ or neighbour’s well-behaved dogs over to play with your puppy. That way, your puppy can learn from other dogs that playing too rough or biting won’t be tolerated.
Take The Help Of a Veterinarian
At times, your puppy seems to be unnecessarily biting out of aggression. You are unable to control your pup. Take the help of a veterinarian or a dog trainer to control your pup’s behaviour. Tacking the help of professional always help as they can guide you and also tell you about what you are doing wrong. With time and consistency, you can change your pup’s behaviour.
The above ideas would hopefully help dog owners to stop biting practice in their pups. Patience and consistency are the solutions to teach biting inhibition in pets. Your pup will learn to interact with their new human family in a positive way and gradually understand that they don’t need sharp teeth to mingle around with people!
If you have some valuable ideas and tips, feel free to leave a comment!
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