How to Correct Play Biting in a Puppy
Your puppy will bite. This is how it learns and explores. But puppies need to learn what is and is not appropriate to bite as well as how to control the strength of their bite. This lesson should have started with the mother and litter mates, but it is up to you to continue the lesson. Be firm and consistent with your puppy as you correct inappropriate play biting.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Yelp or make a similar noise when your puppy bites you in play.
-
2
Repeat this noise, escalating the sound, if it bites you again.
-
-
3
Use a low "growl" to say "no," and stand up, removing your attention if it continues to bite you.
-
4
Return your attention to your puppy as soon as it stops biting.
-
5
Reward all non-biting attention your puppy gives you with attention and praise.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Do not take a puppy away from the litter before eight weeks of age. The longer a puppy is with the mother and litter mates, the more it will learn about using a soft bite when playing. If you have a puppy who had no litter mates or was abandoned, find some puppy playmates to help it learn appropriate play biting.
Use a dog toy to re-direct your puppy's play biting onto an appropriate object.
Never allow, much less encourage, your puppy to bite you in play. Do not wrestle or play tug with a puppy that has a problem with inappropriate play biting. These activities encourage biting. Your puppy will be confused if it is allowed to bite you sometimes but not other times.
Never hit your puppy for biting. Abusing your puppy only teaches it to fear you.
