How To Train Your Puppy To Stop Biting

Start Proper Puppy Training on Day One

You have your new puppy and it is always an exciting venture. However, this new and exciting venture also brings with it a lot of responsibility. After you have his area prepared, proper training is the next responsibility in order. The training should start at day one while enjoying your cute new friend, but always keep in mind that everything you do with your puppy reinforces that particular behavior and will most likely continue into his adult years. Please remember that puppy training should be consistent throughout his whole life so that good behavior is enjoyed by all people that meet him. Don't confuse your dog and expect him to understand that it is OK to have a certain behavior with you and not with a guest. They do not have that mental capacity. So be consistent.

Stop That Puppy Biting

You can train your puppy to stop biting. Puppies are going to bite as they explore their new world, and most of the time, you will get the brunt of his attention. Never hit or slap your puppy when they bite you in play (even when they are scared). The puppy can get very confused and think this is aggressive play like most young animals do in the wild. Remember, your puppy is an animal. One way to train the puppy to stop biting is to refuse to play aggressive games with it such as chasing, wrestling, even tug of war. I know these games are fun for both you and your puppy, but it can get aggressive and your puppy will not understand what level is OK and what is not OK. Remember, he will also play rough with your guests.

One of the best ways to train your puppy not to bite is to let out a sharp "Ouch!" whenever the puppy tries to bite and then remove your eye contact, and then turn your eyes back to the puppy. Did you know that this is the same method that dogs use with each other? Yup, the dog that was bit lets the other dog know that it hurt and that they are not going to play that way. This method uses a mild negative reinforcement to train your puppy that biting will not get him the attention that he wants. When your puppy calms down and does not try to bite, then is when you should give him attention and praise so that the proper behavior is reinforced.

If your puppy bites down on your hand, you should place your thumb finger inside the mouth under your puppy's tongue and hold onto the bottom of the jaw with the rest of your hand for about ten seconds. The pressure should only be firm enough so that your puppy cannot get away for that amount of time. Your puppy will not be able to bite down and this action will provide the negative reinforcement that the behavior he just did is not acceptable.