Puppies are adorable and lovable, but they can also be quite difficult when it comes to controlling their biting. This is because puppies explore the world with their mouths. When puppies are teething, biting is their way of relieving discomfort. However, biting can quickly turn into a bad habit that is difficult to break if not addressed early on. In this blog, we will discuss 12 ways to train your puppy to stop biting.
Understanding Why Puppies Bite
Puppies explore by putting everything in their mouths, much as babies do. However after he is 15 weeks old or older, your dog shouldn’t have a puppy biting or nipping issue despite his interest. At that moment, human skin should never be touched by puppy teeth.
Many dog owners who have had their pets longer than 15 weeks still experience puppy biting. To prevent biting, many of them even go so far as to put a muzzle on their dog’s lips. It is excessive and seldom required.Instead, realize that mouthing and biting are instinctive behaviours and that you must educate your puppy on what is appropriate and inappropriate to put in its mouth
REMEMBER:
- When your dog behaves well, be sure to pay attention to them and praise them!
- There MUST be consistency among the whole family and visitors for this to work!
- Be warned that even if you do everything correctly, this habit could not stop fully until your puppy is 5 to 6 months old. Keep in mind that puppies go through natural developing stages.
- Keep reading to get additional advice and suggestions for pups that are particularly biting or those who begin biting after 5 to 6 months of age.
Training Techniques for Your Puppy to Stop Biting
Quit being rough.
You must immediately stop playing any roughhousing-based dog games as the first item on your to-do list. While playing games like tug of war and wrestling with your new puppy is part of the enjoyment, many dogs aren’t good at them. Stop the game right away and use a toy or incentive to divert your puppy to persuade him or her to cease play biting. You may go on playing after your dog has calmed down.
Puppies play very energetically, thus your aim during a play session should be to exhaust your puppy rather than instill undesirable behaviours. In order to assist your puppy learn acceptable play, you must stop these kinds of activities if the puppy is still within the range of its biting phase.
You are teaching him via these activities that if he playfully bites you, he is free to roughhouse with you at any time. If you don’t want your dog to be aggressive toward children and strangers, you must exercise extreme caution.
Your dog shouldn’t ever attempt to bite you or act violently toward you.
Socialization
Socialization is critical in puppy training, and it can help reduce biting behaviours. Introducing your puppy to different people, animals, and environments can help them learn to be comfortable in new situations. Socialization should be done gradually, and observing your puppy’s behaviour is essential to ensure they are comfortable and not overwhelmed. Additionally, socialization should be a positive experience, and you should reward your puppy with treats and praise for good behaviour.
Redirecting Biting
When your puppy starts to bite, it’s essential as you train your puppy to stop biting to redirect its attention to something else, like a toy or a treat. This teaches them that biting is not acceptable behaviour and gives them an outlet to satisfy their need to chew. Additionally, when redirecting biting, it’s important not to use your hands or fingers as toys, as this can encourage biting behaviours.
Timeouts
If your puppy continues to bite, it’s essential to implement timeouts. When your puppy bites, say “no” firmly and remove them from the situation. This can be done by putting them in a crate or a separate room for a few minutes. Timeouts should be short and not used as punishment. As you train your puppy to stop biting this is essential. Instead, they should be used as a way to give your puppy a chance to calm down and learn that biting is not acceptable behaviour.
Use discipline.
Although some minor puppy biting is acceptable, only puppy nipping from very young dogs is acceptable. After your dog is older than 15 weeks, you should strongly discourage any kind of biting. Once you feel puppy fangs on your skin, stop playing.
It’s one thing if your dog wants to use your fingers as a chew toy when it is teething. If it occurs, tell the puppy not to bite him and then offer him a chew toy. Your dog should learn from this that it is OK to gnaw on some things.
Yet, if the undesirable habit persists, you must train your puppy to quit biting. Give your dog a stern instruction to stop biting and remove your arm away right away, even if it’s only a little nibbling on your fingers or what seems to be a harmless hand.
Never strike out at or nip a dog that bites you. Your dog will get fearful as a result. Stop what you’re doing and leave if your dog tries to bite your hand repeatedly. Stop playing right now if you’re doing it.
Your dog should behave if it manages to divert your attention. But if your puppy doesn’t behave better, you may need to try different approaches.
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is an effective training technique that rewards good behaviour. When your puppy behaves well, reward them with treats and praise. This teaches them that good behaviour is desirable and encourages them to repeat it. Additionally, positive reinforcement can help build a bond between you and your puppy, making training more enjoyable for both of you.
Playtime is over
Make sure the puppy understands that playtime is ended without exception if it attacks you while they are playing.
It could seem like a good idea to yell at or punish your puppy for biting, but doing so has the opposite impact. Your dog will learn that biting brings them attention rather than being taught that their behaviour is wrong, and they will keep biting.
Instead, set your dog down and take a silent exit. Tuck your hands beneath your armpits to seem physically smaller and to communicate to your dog that they no longer have your attention.
They will be able to better understand how their actions affect your attention as a result, and they will learn to refrain from actions that make you turn away.
Puppy-proof your home by using chew-deterrent products.
Puppy mouths are too small to chew on unavailable objects. You must take whatever you don’t want your puppy to chew on out of their reach. Puppies will play with and chew everything that is at their level. Here are a list of items to consider as you train your puppy to stop biting.
- Trash bins should be kept in enclosed, secure spaces.
- Your chargers, cables, and electrical cords should be covered.
- Put bags and purses aside.
- Be careful to keep your vitamins and prescriptions in cupboards, not on nightstands.
- Get poisonous indoor plants out of the way.
- Make a calm area for your puppy’s crate.
- Store and keep household cleaners out of the way.
- Use chew deterrent solutions like Bitter Apple or No Chew Spray for items you can’t keep out of reach, such as your sofa or coffee table. These gadgets do great things without making you crazy.
Rest, and Regular Meals will Help.
Make sure your puppy gets enough sleep. Puppies need more sleep than they realize. Little pups may get excited or irritated if overtired, much like infants and young toddlers, and this may result in play biting. If your dog is a reluctant napper, you may need to arrange a quiet time for them so they can relax at regular intervals throughout the day.
Make sure your puppy eats the appropriate quantity of food for their age and give them frequent meals. Because of their small stomachs, puppies must feed frequently throughout the day. Likewise, similar to humans, hunger makes dogs agitated, which could lead to mouthing.
Exercise Can Help You Burn Off Energy
During the day, try to provide your puppy with both mental and physical stimulation. Your puppy needs lots of chances to play, run, explore, and learn about the world they live in, even though it’s crucial to make sure they don’t get too much activity for their breed and age. A puppy that has all of its needs addressed is far less likely to play bite than one that is bored or understimulated.
- Play some games.
- Let them go around in the yard outdoors.
- Take a stroll with them.
The more energy they use, the less likely they are to bite. Afterwards, they’ll be ready for a nap, allowing you to finish your task.
Click below to discover secrets professionals trainers use to improve behavior!
Consistency
Consistency is key in puppy training. It’s essential to establish rules and boundaries and stick to them. If biting is not acceptable behaviour, it’s important to be consistent and not allow your puppy to bite in any situation. Additionally, all family members should be on the same page when it comes to training. Inconsistency can confuse your puppy and make training more difficult. Practice consistency and life with your pet will improve once you train your puppy to stop biting,
Professional Training
If your puppy’s biting behaviours are severe or persistent, it’s essential to seek professional help. A professional dog trainer can assess your puppy’s behaviour and develop a training plan that is tailored to their specific needs. Additionally, a professional trainer can provide guidance and support throughout the training process.
Conclusion
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Training your puppy to stop biting can be challenging, but it’s essential to establish good behaviour early on. Understanding why puppies bite and implementing training techniques can help reduce biting behaviours and lead to a well-behaved and happy puppy. Remember, puppy training takes time and patience, but with the right approach, you can help your puppy develop into a well-adjusted and obedient adult dog.
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