How to Train Puppies Not to Bite

Puppies are hard to resist and playing with them is just part of the experience. Nipping and biting is great fun for your puppy, but not for you. You don't want to encourage this behavior because it hurts, but you don't want to punish natural affection either.Puppies bite and nip their litter mates as part of play or affection, so they often mistake your hands, ankles and legs as part of their litter. Children often wrestle with their puppies, encouraging this behavior. With some education for the whole family you can "nip" this biting behavior in the bud. Cuddle up with Fido and begin training your puppy not to bite.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• A biting puppy
• Puppy toys
• Bitter Apple spray

1. Play with toys, not hands. When engaging your puppy in play, be sure to use toys to wrestle and play tug of war with. You don't want to encourage the use of shirt sleeves or socks when your kids play with the pup and, if the puppy bites at your hand, quickly grab a toy and substitute it for your hand.

2. Yelp. If you puppy bites you yelp like you are litter mate to express your displeasure or pain. If the yelp excites your puppy more, yelp louder to get your point across. This will help train your puppy not to bite. Once you yelp, then walk away from your pup for a few minutes to let him know you don't like the behavior.

3. Exercise your pet. Your puppy loves positive attention, so be sure to play or walk your pet for an hour or so twice a day to keep your pup happy and healthy. Bring a toy along for your pup to carry if he begins nipping at your hand while you walk.

4. Go to a dog park. Let your dog socialize naturally with other dogs so that your puppy can wrestle and play using his/her mouth as dogs naturally will. This will help tire out your pet and allow him to play with you in a more calm manner.

5. Use bitter apple spray. If your pet is not learning not to bite hands or furniture, for that matter, simply spray a bit of this unpleasant tasting substance on the back of your hands or furniture legs to help train your dog to keep away.

6. Train your pet. Again, your puppy loves attention and training your pet to sit and stay is a terrific way to bond with him and teach your puppy to obey you. Always praise him for good behavior and learn to ignore bad actions.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep puppy toys in your car or purse or pocket to use when out for a walk or drive. You always want to be prepared to provide positive biting experiences.

• Train your friends and visitors. Be sure to let your visitors know you want to discourage biting and let them know to substitute a toy when necessary.

Resources

• http://www.wagntrain.com/PlayBiting.htm