Stop Puppy Biting

Tips to stop puppy biting.

Puppies in general have a very strong need to bite and chew, some more than others. However, you need to control it. But be sure you are providing a proper outlet for the chewing puppy, such as gumabones, rawhide's and chew toys, as you work on controlling the puppy from chewing and biting. See puppy chewing

Some ideas for discouraging finger biting. When your puppy clamps down, let out a very loud YELP in imitation of a hurt puppy. Then, fold your arms and ignore him for 5 minutes or so.

After that, get a toy and return to puppy. Encourage the puppy to play with the toy. If he goes for you with a nip, repeat yelping while walking away.

With very young puppies, this sometimes works wonders - it's the same thing that happens when they get too rough with another puppy. The wounded puppy yelps and runs off, refusing to play for a while.

The yelp must be startling enough to stop the behavior. If nothing changes, you probably didn't yelp load enough.

However, depending on your pup's personality, this could also incite him to become aggressive and chew all the more. In that case, you may need to use some aversive methods. A first approach is to try Bitter Apple. Use it liberally, and not just a light spray. If you make a big impression the first time, it's likely to have a better effect.

The Nipping Games
Certain games you play with puppy can encourage biting and should be avoided.

When playing tug-of-war, chase and tackle games and other games where you actively encourage the puppy to bite a person.

Dangling treats and encouraging a puppy to jump for then can encourage snapping for food as well as injuring growing joints. If you play tug-of-war make certain YOU start the game and YOU stop it.

If puppy brings you a toy and wants you to play, reverse the rules. Remember if puppy wins puppy rules 

Some puppies need more. It's helpful if you could enroll your puppy in a puppy class designed especially for young puppies in order to get the proper guidance, because it's sometimes difficult for a novice trainer to recognize when aversives should be escalated. If you are reading the puppy wrong, increasing aversives could actually make the problem worse instead of better.

To introduce an element of "natural discipline", grasp the recalcitrant pup by the scruff of the neck with one hand, place your other hand over the top of his muzzle, gently pressing his muzzle towards his chest as you say, in a low, growly tone of voice, "No BITE". If they begin to throw a tantrum and thrash around trying to bite, just hold the line until they "give in" and "say uncle" (quit resisting). You should not find it necessary to get aggressive with a young puppy. Simple restraint is usually enough to get the message across.

Absolutely do not use any stiffer discipline without guidance from an instructor