How to Get a Puppy to Stop Biting

Puppies are so cute and cuddly, but they come equipped with a mouth full of razor sharp teeth. If your puppy does not learn bite inhibition, you may have a potentially serious problem when it grows up into an adult. The following simple steps will help you teach your puppy bite inhibition for a happy, safe life.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A puppy
• Patience
• Bitter Apple or Bitter Yuck!
• A rope toy
• A Kong toy
• Peppermint breath spray (i.e. Binaca)

1. Exercise, exercise, exercise. A tired puppy will not have the energy or the boredom to bite and chew.

2. Never, ever, allow your puppy's teeth to make contact with your skin. Should contact occur, even in play, say "Ow!" sharply and physically remove yourself from your puppy for a minute.

3. Teach your puppy displacement. If your puppy is chewing on something that it shouldn't (i.e. your arm or your iPhone), physically remove that object, adding a sharp "No!" and replace it with something they should chew on (i.e. a Kong toy or a rope toy). Make this chewing positive and exciting. Chewing is a natural calming process for puppies, so they should be encouraged to chew, just not on you or your stuff.

4. Put a little Bitter Apple (or the natural alternative - Bitter Yuck) on the area your puppy is biting. Most puppies do not like the taste of these bitters and it will deter them from biting. Note: some (very few) puppies actually like the taste of Bitter Apple, so stop this step immediately if the problem worsens.

5. Use Binaca spray. The strong peppermint taste is generally not liked by most puppies. A quick spray in the mouth and a sharp "No!" as the puppy lunges to bite will send a quick signal that what they are doing is wrong. A remote citronella trainer can also be used. When puppy calms down and is no longer biting, praise and reward with something good (i.e. cheese or hotdog). Timing is very important here.

6. Find a puppy play group and attend as much as possible. Most cases of puppy biting can be resolved through good socialization. Puppies should be encouraged to play with other puppies (not dogs, but puppies under six months). They teach each other bite inhibition very quickly, and unless your puppy is particularly persistent, puppy play can greatly accelerate your puppy's learning.

7. If your puppy continues to bite, seek professional help. Try to find a trainer that specializes in behavior modification.

Tips & Warnings

• Shock collars should not be used to train bite inhibition, as they often amplify the problem.
• Confidence is key! Your puppy may be biting out of fear. Daily walks, trips to the dog park, fun group classes, and positive reinforcement will all combine to make a happy, confident puppy.

[mechelepellebon]

on 2/10/2009 "Use Binaca spray." What a great tip. I needed this article when I was house training my Bichon Frise.