How to Train Your Puppy to Stop Biting

Train your puppy not to bite.

Puppy biting is cute when the puppy is small but becomes a danger to both the puppy and the people the puppy encounters if biting becomes a habit. It is much easier to be proactive and train the puppy not to bite than it is to fix it once it becomes a habit. With any training, it helps if you have already reinforced the idea that you are the "alpha dog" by teaching the puppy basic commands such as "Sit" and "Stay". You should also avoid playing games with the puppy that encourage biting -- such as tug of war or chase games. Dangling treats or toys in front of a puppy can also encourage biting.

Things You'll Need

• Chew toys

Instructions

1. Establish a threshold of contact that is acceptable. A guideline is to allow gentle nipping but nothing more aggressive. The puppy soon will learn what is appropriate behavior.

2. Say "ouch" or yelp loudly when the puppy nips beyond your threshold. Canines yelp when bitten too hard by another dog. Your puppy will understand that you are saying the same thing.

3. Walk away from the puppy for at least 30 seconds. The puppy will begin to associate your negative reaction with the biting. Do not let too much time pass or the puppy will not associate your leaving with the biting.

4. Walk towards the puppy with a toy after 30 seconds to one minute. By bringing the puppy a toy, you are establishing control by determining when the puppy can play with the toy.

Tips & Warnings

• If the puppy does not respond to the verbal command, fill a soda bottle with 10 pennies and shake it when the puppy bites. This will reinforce the verbal command.

• Puppies have a need to chew on things. Chewing on appropriate items allows your puppy to satisfy this desire while also discouraging the puppy to bite you. Give the puppy a rawhide bone or rubber chew toy.

• Do not use physical force such as slapping. It will encourage the puppy to bite more. If the puppy is still biting after you have used a verbal command and walked away, put the puppy in it's crate or a small room for at least 5 minutes.

• Some breeds with stronger bite desires, such as herding dogs, also have high energy levels and require lots of structured playtime. Play "no contact" games such as Frisbee and fetch.

References

• Lucy the Wonderdog: How to Stop Puppy Biting
• Dog Obedience Training Blog: How to Stop a Puppy from Biting
• Dog Obedience Training Blog: Stop Puppy Biting with Dog Bones or Chew Toys

Resources

• Dog Owner's Guide
• Dog Obedience Training Tips