How to Redirect a Puppy's Mouthing and Biting

Mouthing and chewing are normal puppy behaviors that one should expect to deal with when raising a puppy. However, it is appropriate and necessary for puppies to learn that there are right and wrong ways play with you. To help your puppy learn good mouth manners redirect him when he is mouthing, end the game or use a correction to stop the behavior.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Redirect the puppy to a toy. Always have a toy handy when you are with your puppy. When the puppy starts to mouth at your hands or clothing present the toy for him to chew on. Play a game of tug, or throw the toy for the puppy to chase. If the puppy tries to come back to chewing on you, continue to present the toy.

2. End the game by leaving. When the puppy is chewing on you or biting too hard, get up and leave. The puppy will soon learn that if he does not play nicely, the fun with you will end. After a few minutes return and resume interaction with your puppy.

3. Give the puppy a time out. When the puppy becomes to rough in play with you, end the game and take the puppy to his crate for a time out. This is not a punishment; rather, it is a chance for a short cooling down period before you resume interaction.

4. Correct the undesirable behavior. If the puppy is persistently biting at your hands gently take hold of his muzzle, look him in the eye and say, "No. I don't like that." Speak with a a low growl in your voice.

5. Yelp as though you are hurt. This is a form of correction. When the puppy bites your hand let out a high-pitched squeal like a puppy that has been stepped on. Puppies learn when they are in a litter together that this sound means someone was too rough. This technique works for very young puppies but often not for older ones.

Tips & Warnings

• Make the toy interesting so the puppy will want to play with it. Drag it around for him or her to pounce on, play tug with it or throw it for the puppy to chase. If your hands are waving around but the toy is motionless, your hands will be more interesting.
• It is helpful to have a phrase that you say as a warning before you end the game by leaving. For example you can say, "That's too much!" or "That's enough!" or something like this. That will become dog's cue to ease up on the rough play.
• Remember to be the one who controls the games you play with your puppy. You start the game, stop the game and determine the rules. This dynamic is very important to establishing a strong relationship with your dog in which you are the pack leader.
• When you end the game by leaving, make sure your puppy is in a safe and secure location where he will not get loose, chew electrical cords or things of this nature. A kitchen with baby gates is a good option.
• Do not behave in a rough angry manner when you end the game, put the puppy in time out or issue a correction. Be calm and matter of fact. If you are becoming angry and frustrated, you might need a time out yourself.