Dog Training 101: How to Train Your Puppy Not to Bite
You’ve seen it way too often – your cute puppy running wild and free, taking little nips here and there until one complaint comes after another… The next thing you know, it’s your little child coming home with a bite mark on his or her hands from trying to pet or play with your puppy. All this can be avoided. All this grief can be prevented. Just learn how to train your puppy not to bite. This article will help you do this exactly.
As early as when they’re just six weeks old, puppies can already be trained. A lot of work goes into making sure your puppy matures into a well-behaved dog, so you need to take the time to train it to become so. There is no need to worry if your pup does a lot of mouthing as this is as natural as teething is to a human baby. As long as the puppy doesn’t do this in anger, there is no cause for alarm because with the right amount of encouragement, this will cease once they mature. Also be consistent, as consistency is key when trying to reinforce good behavior in your pups. Every time your puppy starts to bite, say “No” in a loud, angry voice, then walk away. This will make it think that it has hurt you, helping in making the puppy realize that it shouldn’t bite you or other humans. This will teach your pup that biting is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. After the pup has calmed down, gently stroke or pet it while talking gently to it. Tickling or rubbing its tummy is a great way to connect with the puppy while keeping your hands away from its mouth.
Another way of how to train your puppy not to bite is to never play roughly, as rough play only encourages bad behavior. When you start a tug-of-war game, be sure you can stop it at any time. If in case you have difficulty getting your puppy to follow verbal commands, keep a water bottle spray handy, making sure the nozzle is at the spray (not jet) setting. Give out a loud “No” while squirting a bit of water at the puppy’s nose.
Remember too that part of how to train your puppy not to bite is to heap praises on it once it’s done a good job in following all your commands. Putting a little butter on your hands also encourages the puppy to lick and not bite.
One last tip on how to train your puppy not to bite is to give him good chew toys after yelling “No” and then moving away from him. Make sure that you give him the toy after a moment of quiet so the puppy equates the stillness with getting a reward for stopping. In worse scenarios, such as when your puppy bites back harder instead of stopping, consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist as there may be an underlying reason for the puppy’s continued biting.
Patience and persistence is all you need, and soon you’ll have the puppy of your dreams!
