How to Train Dogs Not to Bite or Nibble
Dogs naturally learn bite inhibition as puppies. If a puppy bites while nursing, the mother gets up and walks away, teaching the pup that biting means no food. If a puppy bites a litter mate during play, the litter mate yelps and stops playing, teaching the puppy that biting means the end of playtime. Undersocialized puppies often grow into adult dogs never having learned bite inhibition. These dogs can bite while playing, not realizing that this is wrong. Training dogs not to bite or nibble takes time and patience, but is well worth the effort.
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Instructions
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Play with your dog as normal. Yelp and remove your hand when he gets overexcited and bites or nips at you.
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Give your dog a time-out if he continues to nibble and bite despite your yelping and walking away. Yelp as normal when the dog bites, then remove your hand and ignore him for 10 to 20 seconds. Leave the room if necessary, then return and resume playtime. Repeat this until your dog realizes that biting ends playtime, but playing gently means more fun and more attention.
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Replace a finger or toe with a chew toy when your dog nibbles on you. Show your dog that it is inappropriate to chew on people, but acceptable to chew on certain toys.
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Tips & Warnings
Get your dog used to human touch by introducing daily grooming sessions. Gradually get her used to you touching her face and mouth without her biting.
Keep your dog away from children until she learns not to bite during play. Even if she doesn't bite hard, your child could end up developing a fear of dogs.
Do not punish your dog for play-biting. It is not his fault that nobody took the time to teach him bite inhibition as a puppy. Simply yelp and walk away, or replace your hand with a toy as suggested.
References
- Photo Credit dogs are fighting image by Ivonne Wierink from Fotolia.com
