How to Teach Your Puppy to Stop Biting

When you have a puppy, you need to expect that a fair amount of biting is going to occur when he first comes home.  Biting is normal behavior for the puppy, and it is something that he would do with his siblings and parents to play and communicate.  While the biting is normal, you shouldn’t have to put up with it.  Fortunately, it is very easy to teach most puppies to stop biting.

Start Training Immediately

It is important that you begin the training immediately.  Just because it’s cute that the puppy nibbles at your fingers and toes now doesn’t mean it is going to be cute in a few months.  The earlier your begin training the better. 

React to Show Disapproval

Whenever the puppy bites you, let out a yip like a dog might, or just a loud “ouch!”  This can let the puppy know that he was playing too rough.  Pups are intelligent, and he will probably start to play gentler.  If the puppy keeps biting, get up and walk away.  Let him know that rough behavior means no playtime.

Help Your Pup With Teething

Since puppies are teething between the ages of two and twelve weeks, you need to make sure that you have plenty of toys from the pet store specifically for him to chew on and teethe.  Make your own teething toy by wetting a clean flannel rag, twisting it into a bar-like shape and freezing it in the fridge.  Your pup will love to chew on the rag to numb his gums.  When it thaws, thoroughly wash, dry and re-freeze it (the drying part is essential to make sure the wet rag doesn’t develop mildew from being wet repeatedly, which can make your pup sick). 

Alternatively, provide ice-cubes in his drinking water for him to chew on.  If you don’t give him anything to chew on he will have sore and itchy gums, which will make him more keen to chew on you to relieve his pain. 

Try an Obedience Class

You should also take your puppy to a dog obedience class.  In addition to helping with biting problems, the trainers will be able to help you with other behavioral problems.  Don’t take your puppy to one of these classes until he is at least six months old and has his shots. 

It is important to keep up with the training of your puppy and always reinforce good behavior with praise and the occasional treat.