How to Handle Puppy Biting

Biting is not extraordinary behavior as far as your puppy is concerned. When pups are in a litter, they tend to bite and nip each other. This is normal puppy behavior but not one that you want to encourage.

They need to be taught that human skin is sensitive and it’s not okay to go around on a biting spree. A puppy has to learn bite inhibition which means that he has to develop a soft mouth and learn to use it sparingly and with care.

If your puppy bites you, it’s not a bad thing at all. On the contrary, it gives you a chance to teach him how vulnerable human flesh is. Your puppy or even an adult dog may bite at some point in his life or the other. When this happens, if your dog has developed a soft mouth it won’t cause much damage. So from the onset, your pooch should be taught to be cautious while biting or mouthing you.

Handling puppy biting is pretty simple and straightforward. To teach a puppy bite inhibition you can begin by playing with him in an enclosed area. When your puppy bites you shouldn’t grab him. Instead say something like “ouch”, wait for some time and begin playing again. The next time your puppy nips you, the power in his bite should reduce. If this doesn’t happen, say “ouch” again and walk away from the area. The point of doing this is that the pup realizes that you won’t continue to play with him if he isn’t careful while nipping your flesh. This temporary isolation is very effective in teaching your pup bite inhibition.

The next item on the agenda is to get your puppy to stop biting you altogether. Once you coach a pup to inhibit the strength of his nip, he will automatically reduce his attempts to bite you. To get him to completely stop using his teeth on humans you have to continue behaving in the same fashion. As soon as he bites you, say “ouch” and leave the confined area. Over time your puppy will quit attempting to bite on human flesh.

When your puppy bites you, you may feel inclined to yell or grab your puppy. This is a definite no-no. A violent reaction will only cause your puppy to get even more excited. Or it may try biting someone who isn’t strong enough to retaliate like a child or toddler. So refrain from using any other punishment to cure your pup of mouthing human-beings.

Once your puppy is 5-6 months old, he should not be biting anyone. If he continues nipping and showing unwarranted aggression you might want to consult an animal behaviorist. You should also take your pet to a vet for a check up. There could be an underlying health reason associated with his need to bite.

Sometimes, it’s also possible that your puppy is mouthing you to draw your attention to something. Maybe he needs a walk or needs food or simply wants to relieve himself. So ensure that your puppy is fed and relieved on schedule. And also make sure that he’s taken for a walk daily and given time to play and interact with other family members.

As your puppy begins showing signs of bite inhibition and minimizes his mouth action, you should reward him with a treat each time he doesn’t nip you harshly. You could also use a command like “Off” when you feel your puppy is on the verge of sinking his teeth into something or someone.

Handling puppy biting is not as difficult as it seems. With a little time, patience and effort you will have an obedient pup that will not nip or mouth you or anybody else.