Learn How to Prevent Your Puppy from Biting
How to stop a puppy from biting or nipping is a difficult area. Nipping is very different from true aggression, or dog aggression towards other dogs, as it is your puppy wanting to play and explore . It is nevertheless important, however, to stop this form of biting before it becomes full blown biting and aggression . If it reaches this stage, you will need to learn how to stop dog aggression.
Establish the parameters
To learn how to stop a puppy from biting, it is first of all important to decide on the level of mouthing that you are prepared to accept . Maybe you will allow your dog to gently touch your hands with her teeth, or maybe you will make it clear to her that there is to be no contact whatsoever.
When you have decided on that level, and your puppy then bites you, squeal loudly, and turn away . Walk a few strides away from her, keeping your face and eyes averted . Do not speak to her, and do not touch her.
The goal of your actions is to have the lesson sink in, but not for such a length of time that your dog will forget what prompted your response .
Yelp like a dog
You should also try faking that you are in pain when you are bitten . Your dog will no doubt be surprised by your reactions, and should be more gentle the next time . When puppies bite each other, it usually stops if the other puppy is in pain. You can be that puppy !
Practice this until you achieve good results . You ought to also think about walking away after pretending you are in pain, as your dog will form a negative connection between her biting you, and you departing .
Focus her attention on something else
Another important way to learn how to stop a puppy from biting is to redirect her attention to something that is okay to bite, like a rawhide bone or a chew toy. Also look at filling up an empty can with rocks or coins. When the biting begins, shake the can and make some noise . Puppies do not like sounds like this, and they will soon recognize that they will hear it if they elect to bite you .
Avoid the use of physical punishment
Do not under any circumstances use physical punishment, as it is inhumane, unnecessary, and can in reality even further the behavior in question .
Positive Reinforcement
Overall, please remember to praise and reward your dog when she refrains from nipping and play biting . The more you do so, the more it will click in with her that something positive is to be gained by not nipping and biting you.
A professional dog trainer
If your dog’s nipping will just not go away, in spite of all of your patient and consistent efforts to the contrary, and if it includes growling, snarling, and snapping, then you need to seek the guidance and help of a professional dog trainer .
A visit to the vet
You may also desire to seek the advice of your local veterinarian to see if your puppy has any underlying medical conditions that can be attributed to her frequent biting .
