If you just brought home a new puppy, chances are, they are going to start chewing on things, and people, while they teeth and learn boundaries. In this article, our Little Rock vets discuss how you can curb your puppy's nipping and biting.
Why does my puppy keep biting me?
Dogs use their mouths to explore and interact with their surroundings. They can't use their paws, so they try using their mouths. It's critical to recognize that puppy biting is a completely normal part of their development. Almost everyone who has raised a puppy has had to deal with biting in some form.
Puppies will often bite due to a mixture of curiosity and to help soothe their sore gums while they are teething.
How long does the biting stage last in puppies?
Every puppy is different but typically the biting and mouthing stage lasts about three to six months.
We understand that this can be a very frustrating time for new dog owners, but don't worry, this stage will pass and we are here to give you some tips and tricks to help get your puppy to stop biting.
How to Stop a Puppy From Biting
While it is completely normal for your puppy to bite, if it's not properly handled at an early stage it can become a lifelong destructive habit.
It’s important to help your puppy learn to curb his mouthy behavior. There are various options to train your puppy to stop mouthing and biting people altogether.
Teach Your Puppy Bite Inhibition
Learning how to moderate the force of a bite is very important for all dogs. There may come a time when they’re in pain or fearful, and they put their mouth on you or someone else. But if they’ve learned bite inhibition, they understand that they shouldn’t bite down hard.
Puppies naturally nip at each other while playing. If they bite too hard on their mother or littermate, the other dog will likely make a loud yelp sound, warning the puppy that the force of their bite hurt.
You can teach this to your dog by making a high-pitched "ow" sound when they bite you. Be cautious, however, as some dogs become even more agitated and are likely to bite. In this case, it is best to quietly turn around, walk away, or gently place the puppy in their crate for a few minutes to calm down. If your dog backs off, reward them with a treat and verbal praise.
Redirect the behavior
If your puppy is biting because they are bored or their gums hurt because of teething, you can start by redirecting their biting away from you or your furniture to something that they are allowed to chew such as their toys.
Encourage non contact games like fetch and tug-of-war over wrestling and rough play with your hands. Once your puppy can safely play tug, keep tug toys in your pocket or easily accessible. If he starts mouthing you, immediately redirect him to the tug toy.
If your puppy bites at your feet and ankles, carry his favorite tug toy in your pocket. Whenever he ambushes you, instantly stop moving your feet. Take out the tug toy and wave it enticingly. When your puppy grabs the toy, start moving again.
Offer Them Quiet Time or a Potty Break
To calm your puppy and prevent biting, gently place them in their crate. Maintain a calm demeanor to prevent the crate from becoming a symbol of punishment. When the pup has calmed down, you can let them out.
Sometimes a biting puppy is an over-tired puppy, and they need to be put in a quiet space or crate to take a nap. Other times, they may need a potty break or just be hungry or thirsty.
Let Them Get Some Energy Out
Giving your puppy plenty of exercise can be one of the most effective ways to prevent puppy biting. Exercising a puppy is one of the most effective ways to reduce problem behaviors like biting. Puppies frequently act out when they do not receive adequate physical and mental stimulation.
Reinforce the Behaviors You Want
We sometimes forget to reinforce our puppy's calm and quiet behavior with a "good dog", a piece of kibble, and/or a pat. Use positive reinforcement to teach desired behaviors.
Puppy Classes Can Be a Lifesaver
Taking your new puppy to a dog training class can be a safe and effective means of socialization and professional dog trainers can give you tips that can help curb your puppy's problematic behaviors such as biting. They have spent years learning how to train a puppy not to bite, so save yourself some frustration, and let the professionals take sure pressure off of you.
Never Get Frustrated
There will be times when you're at your wits' end, but it's critical that you remain calm and never lose patience with your puppy. They are still figuring out the world around them, and they rely on you to guide them; expressing your frustration may cause them to fear you or weaken your bond, which is the opposite of what you want.
When does play biting become aggression?
Most puppy nipping and biting are normal behavior. However, some puppies bite out of fear or frustration, and this type of biting can signal problems with future aggression.
Puppies sometimes have temper tantrums when you make them do something they don't want to do or during play. A puppy temper tantrum is more severe than playful mouthing, but it isn’t always easy to tell the difference between. In most cases, a playful puppy will have a relaxed body and face. If your puppy has a temper tantrum, his body might look very stiff or frozen. He might pull his lips back to expose his teeth or growl. Almost always, his bites will be much more painful than normal mouthing during play.
If you're holding or handling your puppy and he starts throwing a temper tantrum, don't yell like you're hurt. Doing so may cause your puppy to repeat or intensify the behavior. Instead, remain calm and unemotional. Don't hurt your puppy, but try to hold him firmly without constriction until he stops struggling. Allow him to go after he has calmed down for a few seconds. Then make plans to contact a qualified professional for assistance. Repeated bouts of biting in frustration are not something the puppy will grow out of, so your puppy's behavior should be evaluated and resolved as soon as possible.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.