Like most other things that dogs do, biting is something that comes naturally.
It is common for puppies and goes hand in hand with growth of their teeth. However, they also use biting for some other stuff such as playing and learning.
Still, biting is a bad habit which can harm another person. Even worse, if you allow it, this can teach a dog that biting is ok. Needless to say this is a long-term issue waiting for happen as your dog may bite another person thinking that it’s just a part of a play.
This is why you need to teach your dog why biting is bad.
Reasons for biting
As I already said, biting is the main way dog learns and gets accustomed to its surroundings.
It is also common when their teeth are growing. Their gums start itching so they bit to get rid of the feeling.
Also, biting can be a sign they wish to play or that they’re excited.
The main issue with biting is that it become a long term habit. Have in mind that this behavior stops during second year but before that, dogs have ample of opportunities to bite someone. This is why you need to stop it as soon as possible.
Most owners try to stop biting by hitting or punishing a dog. This makes dog distrustful and can lead to other issues as well.
This is precisely why you need to pay a lot of attention during the training.
Biting training
Biting training needs to start as soon as dog start doing it.
It need to learn quickly that this practice can harm others.
Here are some tricks that will teach a dog not to bite:
- When dog bites you make a sound resembling a puppy cry. This will teach a puppy that you’re being hurt
- When dog bites you during play, make sure to stop playing. Be calm for a second. Given that dogs feel us and our mood, this will deflate a dog making it less excited and thus, less likely to bite
- If none of this works, stop playing altogether and distance yourself from puppy. This will show it that you’re not willing to play if it behaves in such a way. When you return, make sure to pet it and show it that you still care as you don’t wish to alienate yourself
- If nothing works and dog continues to bite, remove it from your company. Put it back into a crate and prevent it from playing with you. Be gentle while doing it though
Common problem occurs when a puppy bites too hard.
Given they’re small, they perceive this to be a game. No matter what you do, they will sink their teeth into you not wanting to let go. They will see this as a show of strength and playful activity. However, it can lead to some serious wounds.
So, how to release yourself from a puppy bite?
- First thing that you need to do is calm yourself
- Dog needs to be taken by the collar and held still
- Make sure to move yourself as far as possible from a dog. This will signify that you’re no longer willing to play and will get puppy confused
- Ignoring puppy will also help
- Lastly, make sure to turn away and stop playing altogether. As puppy looks for attention, this is precisely opposite of what it needs
- If puppy continues to try and get your attention through biting, move it back to its bed
During whole process you need to keep one thing in mind: there is no place for aggression of any sort.
If you’re a new owner you can easily get frustrated with biting and take it out on puppy. This is counterproductive. Instead, you need to use psychology to get to it.
Your main task is to teach your dog how to play. Even if gets excited and it comes naturally for it to bite, you need to show it that this is unacceptable.
Just make sure to remain calm, try each step of the way and if nothing works, simply return puppy back to create. After several repetitions, dog will learn its lesson.
