Stop Puppy From Biting
While puppies are undeniably adorable, their boundless energy can sometimes lead to excessive excitement and biting tendencies. Understanding why they bite is key, often stemming from overstimulation or underestimation.
Effectively curbing this behavior starts by implementing specific strategies from the moment they enter your home.
Discover how to stop a puppy from biting by establishing consistent and positive interactions, guiding them away from the habit of using their teeth to communicate.
How to Stop a Puppy From Biting
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a kind and considerate pup that doesn’t see any reason for biting.
1. Show Them Hands Are Gentle and Loving
Make a conscious effort to always be extra soothing and gentle when it comes to interacting with your puppy with your hands. Show them that hands are only for strokes, ear rubs, treats and other things they like — not for biting.
2. Make Sure They’re Getting Enough Exercise
The most likely excuse for a puppy to bite is that they haven’t had enough exercise and they’re bored. Take them for walks and get them into the yard with a truckful of toys and let them burn off some steam at every opportunity.
3. Use Positive Reinforcement
Remember to try to avoid using punishments or telling your puppy off when they do something wrong and focus on rewarding them for good behavior. Some puppies will get excited when they provoke any reaction, so ignoring bad behavior or simply saying no is best.
4. Don’t Play Rough
Don’t push your pup with your hands or play rough games with them. They won’t understand the difference between their rough play (biting) and yours, so if you set the example of being kind and gentle, they won’t know any other way.
5. Never Use Physical Punishments
Physically punishing your puppy is just reinforcing their aggressive behavior and won’t stop them from biting. They might temporarily show obedience, but behavioral problems like biting are likely to become an issue. If your dog does seem to be using their teeth aggressively, speak to your vet about how to help them overcome this obstacle.
6. Provide Chew Toys
You should always have a chew toy on hand for your fluffy little one to gnaw on. This teaches them that they can destroy these objects but that furniture and hands are tooth-free zones. It’s instinctive for dogs to chew, especially when they’re teething — so you won’t be able to stop them. Instead, you can make sure there are always teething options available to them.
7. Time Out!
If your puppy nips you, stop playtime immediately and either put them in their crate to calm down or walk away from them. Don’t say anything or react otherwise because it might serve to negatively reinforce the biting. Instead, show them the only result they get is a time out and a swift end to the fun!
If you’re ready to bring a new furball into your family, visit the Georgia Puppies Online website today and browse our selection of adorable pups.
