Playing nicely with humans: How to stop puppy biting

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Is your puppy mouthing or biting?

It’s important for you to understand the difference between biting (out of fear or aggression) and mouthing (which is how dogs explore – they don’t have hands after all). 

In this post I’m talking about “mouthing”. 

If your dog is biting from fear or aggression you need to enlist the help of a local trainer, who can come to your house and observe your dog. They will help you establish why your dog is afraid or aggressive and give you strategies to help.

It’s vital your dog learns that teeth on skin is never acceptable

Dogs have sharp teeth and need to learn how to inhibit their bite so they don’t hurt anyone. 

This training usually starts in the litter when the puppies are playing. When one gets too rough, the other will squeal and stop playing, which is quite a punishment for a playful puppy.  

This training needs to continue when your dog starts their new life in your home.

Puppies have sharp teeth

The Training Method

It’s important to provide your dog with lots of things they can chew. Make sure there’s a variety of textures, and encourage pup to play with them. 

Whenever they touch your skin with their teeth, say ‘ouch’ and stop playing. 

You can time the puppy out for this in their crate or play pen, or you can leave the room if that’s easier. 

Either way you’re stopping the play, fun, and attention and this is penalty enough!

Then try again, by encouraging your pup to play with the chew toys. 

Repeat the process until they step mouthing your hands and clothes and they’re only wanting to chew on the legal toys, because then you stay close (which is a huge motivator).

Do you find that puppy parenting is proving to be more challenging than you anticipated?

Is your adorable bundle of fluff acting like a bit of a maniac at times?

Are they:

·         Refusing to sleep in?

·         Jumping up on you?

·         Destroying all your favourite things?

·         Chewing your hands, feet, and clothes?

·         Peeing and pooping all over your house?

Then check out "The Calm Puppy," a 5-part program designed to transform your energetic puppy into a well-behaved and delightful companion