Training Puppies Not To Bite: Tips For Dog Owners

Finding effective solution on how to stop puppy biting is one of the issues that bothers many dog owners. Some cases seem to be so hopeless, leaving dog owners with no choice but to abandon their pets or turn them over to shelters or rescue groups. This scenario shouldn't have happened only if appropriate steps are taken to solve the problem.

First of all, owners should understand that puppies have strong need to chew. It is perfectly natural for most puppies especially when they are teething. Biting is also their way to play and communicate with each other. They would love to bite on just about anything - from their owner's shoes and socks to furniture and even the feet or hands of their owners.

You know very well that this should not go on forever unless you want puppy bites all over your house. Start curbing this problem by diverting your puppy's chewing to proper outlet such as chew toys. You also need to teach your puppy that biting hurts you. To do this, imitate what a hurt puppy would do - yelp, run and refuse to play. When he bites you, let out a very loud yelp then fold your arms and ignore him for like ten minutes. This will make him understand that he is being too rough and needs to be more gentle next time. Your acting skill plays great importance here.

Though this method is often effective, this could trigger aggression and dominance. If that's the case, you may need to use aid such as anti-chewing spray. Instead of just a light spray, applying it liberally will have a better effect.

Physical punishment should not be used as a method to stop puppy biting. Slapping or hitting the face as well as hitting him with a rolled paper won't make the situation any better. Doing so will result either to your pup thinking that you are playing or your pup to become afraid of you, thus making the problem worse. Being patient as well as determined is therefore the best weapon to become successful in curbing your pup's biting problem.

Playing games like tug of war, wrestling or chase is not advisable since these games can also trigger biting problems.