Core Elements to Stop Dogs Biting

A dog owner should never tolerate a dog biting or nipping. For the safety of others as well as their own. The last thing you want to happen is to have your dog put down or taken away because of biting. You may not think it's a serious problem right now, but you don't want to wait to deal with the issue before it's too late.

How to Stop Dogs from Biting as Puppies

The best time to train a dog that biting is not acceptable is when it's still a puppy. Under 6 months of age is the most formative time for a dog. At this age, mouthing and nipping is quite normal because that is one of the ways your puppy learns about the world around him, his mouth is what he uses to explore just as we used our hands to learn.

As well as using his hands to explore, your dog is also trying to assert its dominance. They use their teeth to show who's in charge. When you allow your dog to nip or bite, you are giving him the message that he is the leader of the pack.

When ever your puppy bites or nips you, yelp exaggeratedly, as if it really hurt and tell your dog no biting. If your dog does it again, dis-attach yourself from your dog and ignore your dog for a minute. Your dog is going to try to get your attention over and over, ignore him no matter what. This way, when your dog nips or bites, he can associate it to no attention. The last thing a puppy wants is no attention.

You should also avoid playing physical games with your dogs, games like tug of war, wrestling or any other games that your puppy could exert his dominance.

Give your puppy some boundaries around the house as well. If your puppy constantly whines or jumps up and down when you are feeding him, make sure he is calm and sitting before you sit the his dog bowl down. By giving him his dog food when he's not behaving,you are reinforcing that kinds of bad behavior. Train your dog obedience to help eliminate his biting behavior.

A good way to train your dog any desired behavior is to clicker train your dog. Clicker training is a form of dog training that is based on positive reinforcement. Your canine friend learns that certain behaviors result in certain consequences. Your dog will learn that if he won't get rewarded if he bites. The great thing about clicker training is that you can use it for any unruly behavior other than dog biting.

Training your dog not to bite will take a lot of practice and patience on your part. If you stay consistent in your dog's training, your dog will learn what behavior is acceptable or not.