Watching a puppy playfully bite can be endearing initially; however, if not addressed early, frequent biting can become a problem as they mature.
Addressing this behaviour early ensures your puppy matures into a well-mannered adult dog. Teaching a puppy not to bite requires patience and consistency, and providing a nurturing environment helps them learn appropriate behaviour.
Understanding why puppies bite
Puppies explore their world through their mouths, much like human infants do with their hands. This natural behaviour begins during their time with littermates, where they engage in mouthing to understand social boundaries. Through these interactions, young dogs learn bite inhibition, which refers to controlling the strength of their bites to avoid causing injury. Typically, by playing with siblings, they learn when they're biting too hard because their littermates yelp or move away. Without proper guidance on bite inhibition, a puppy may continue to bite too harshly, believing it's acceptable behaviour.
The role of teething
Teething introduces discomfort as puppies' baby teeth give way to permanent ones. Chewing during this phase provides relief. Offering appropriate chew toys helps divert their attention from inappropriate items and supports healthy dental development. Veterinarians recommend durable chew toys to help relieve teething pain.
How to stop your puppy from biting
Implementing consistent and positive training methods can effectively reduce and eliminate undesirable biting. Consistency is key, alongside patience and positive reinforcement practices, to enhance obedience and establish trust between you and your puppy. Here are 10 tips to help you stop your puppy from biting:
1. Download the Zigzag app
First thing's first, get some expert advice and support. Training a puppy is not an easy task and you shouldn't have to go through it alone. The Zigzag app is tailored specifically to guiding owners through their puppy's first few months at home, offering comprehensive training resources and expert guidance.
2. Redirect to toys
When your puppy attempts to bite during play or exploration, gently redirect their attention to a suitable chew toy. This teaches them that toys are appropriate outlets for their chewing instincts. Having a variety of toys, including those with different textures, keeps your puppy engaged and satisfied. This redirection helps teach where and when biting is suitable, providing satisfaction without adverse outcomes.
3. Use commands ("no biting")
Introducing commands like "no biting" helps establish boundaries. Use a firm yet calm tone to communicate disapproval when biting occurs. Consistency is vital; ensure all household members use the same command to avoid confusing your puppy. Over time, this distinct direction enables the puppy to associate certain words with specific actions or restrictions.
4. Implement time-outs
If biting continues despite redirection and commands, consider a brief time-out. Gently place your puppy in a quiet, safe space for a short period, allowing them to calm down. This approach teaches that biting leads to losing social interaction and playtime. Returning only when both have calmed will reduce overstimulation triggers and stress. Keeping the separation short reinforces the lesson without extensive absence leading to anxiety.
5. Use a high-pitched yelp or "ow"
Mimicking the natural response of littermates, emitting a high-pitched yelp or saying "ow" when bitten can startle your puppy, causing them to pause. This reaction mirrors how puppies learn bite inhibition from their peers, understanding that excessive force disrupts play. If your dog has started scratching more than usual, consider trying home remedies to stop scratching before it becomes an ingrained habit. Once bitten, playful cessation follows. Every time biting becomes overenthusiastic, repeat this technique consistently across multiple play sessions, reinforcing feedback about the pain threshold.
6. Encourage positive behaviour
Rewarding gentle play and appropriate interactions reinforces good behaviour. Use treats, verbal praise, or affection to acknowledge and encourage non-biting behaviour. Positive reinforcement increases the likelihood of your puppy repeating desired actions. Recognising progress builds eagerness to continue displaying favoured conduct.
7. Provide exercise and mental stimulation
A well-exercised and mentally stimulated puppy is less likely to engage in unwanted biting. Incorporate regular physical activities like walks and play sessions, along with mental challenges such as training exercises and puzzle toys. This balance helps expend excess energy and reduces the likelihood of biting due to boredom or pent-up energy. Various activities ensure balance in temperament changes experienced during growing phases, fostering healthful development year-round.
8. Don't encourage biting
Avoid activities that might inadvertently promote biting, such as rough play that involves using hands or feet as toys. Refrain from withdrawing your hand quickly when your dog nibbles, as this can trigger chasing and further biting. Instead, use toys designed for tugging or fetching to satisfy these play instincts safely. Similarly, deterrent sprays can be counterproductive if excessively relied upon. Dependence might lead pups away from learning personal restraint, relying instead solely on external discouragements without firm knowledge regarding acceptable boundaries.
9. Remove yourself or the puppy
If play becomes too rough and biting persists, calmly end the interaction by removing yourself or placing your puppy in a quiet area. This teaches that biting results in the end of play and attention, encouraging your puppy to seek gentler ways to engage. Exiting the room or placing the puppy in a calm area allows time for self-regulation.
10. Provide appropriate chew toys
Offering a variety of safe, durable chew toys caters to your puppy's natural chewing instincts, especially during teething. Ensure the toys are appropriately sized and made from safe materials to prevent choking or digestive issues. Regularly inspect toys for wear and replace them as needed to maintain a safe environment. Providing various textures can alleviate the soreness of teething gums.
11. Manage the environment
Creating a puppy-proof environment reduces opportunities for inappropriate biting. Keep personal items, cords, and small objects out of reach. Use baby gates or playpens to limit access to certain areas, ensuring your puppy's safety and preventing them from developing bad habits. This proactive approach supports the development of appropriate behaviour.
Addressing puppy biting early is essential for fostering a well-mannered adult dog. By implementing consistent training techniques, providing appropriate outlets for natural behaviors, and ensuring a nurturing environment, you set the foundation for positive habits. Remember, patience and consistency are key. If you still find it challenging, speak to a professional dog trainer or vet for tailored solutions to support your puppy's development.
