How to train a puppy not to bite? Puppy Training Basics for New Puppy Owners
Puppies tend to bite, that’s a fact. However, the question of how to train a puppy not to chew on objects that he shouldn’t chew on is something he needs to work on. A puppy is a wonderful addition to any family and bringing home a new puppy is often one of the greatest joys a family will experience. However, it doesn’t take long for that excitement to turn into dread if your newest addition starts biting everyone in sight. A puppy that bites is not only an aggravating nuisance, but can have potential legal complications. Puppies must be trained not to bite or they risk becoming problem dogs that lack social skills and pose a threat to society.
How to start training a puppy not to bite?
The first and most important thing to understand is that your pup ‘biting’ or biting is a natural part of growing up and is not a sign that your new addition to the family is an aggressive attack dog in the making. . Although your pup may mistake his arm for his favorite chew toy, this shouldn’t be taken personally and doesn’t mean your pup hasn’t bonded with you and other family members. Biting in the early years is part of your dog’s natural behavior; however, it must be corrected.
Hitting a dog for biting is not recommended. Rather, speak to the dog in a strong, firm tone and say a sound, resolve “No!” when he bites Make sure you are consistent so your dog has a chance to grow and understand what behaviors are allowed and what is not allowed. If you are not consistent with your correction and reprimand, your dog will receive mixed messages and will never fully understand that he is not allowed to bite. You may find that it is more effective to firmly state “No!” then walk away from the puppy, ignoring it and giving it no attention or affection.
Since many puppies are naturally prone to biting, you may inadvertently reinforce bites by playing roughly with your new pet. Games of tug of war or just roughhousing will cause the puppy to become overly excited and biting will become more frequent. Since the puppy will see biting as part of play, he may adopt this habit and view your affection during playtime as a reward. Rough play can firmly establish biting in your pup’s mind and you may not even realize it! It is best to play with the puppy in a calm, controlled, and mature manner.
What if training a puppy not to bite seems to be failing?
For most pups, a firm “No!” followed by a consistent interruption in play time is enough to understand that biting, playful or not, is unacceptable. However, there are other situations where a puppy may need a stronger message. If your pup continues to bite and doesn’t respond to your constant and repeated commands of “No!” Try to keep a spray bottle of water handy. Make sure the stream isn’t too strong, as you don’t want to cause your pup pain, but rather get his attention. If your puppy continues to bite, say “No!” and then spray the pup with the water bottle in his face. Your pup will understand the message and, in most cases, will stop biting.
Always remember to reward your puppy for the good behavior you see him do and never make your dog afraid of you, but rather scold him firmly, but lovingly.