Training a Puppy Not to Nip

Puppies learn through play, the same as all baby creatures. So when training a puppy not to nip the best way is in the form of play. Everything to a puppy is a game, and each learning experience is gained from a game.

When playing with your puppy you can teach him at the same time. One of the first things your puppy needs to learn is that your are the alpha dog. The most effective way of teaching him that you are the alpha male is by gently rolling him over onto his back when playing. This reinforces that you are the alpha male to the puppy. Do this as often as possible. Do it firmly, not roughly.

Puppies learn not to bite too hard from their litter mates. But to some extent they still nip. Puppies, like babies, love to have things to chew on in their mouth.

A pup learns SO much from their mother before 8 weeks of age. And, ALL dogs need to be trained to not nip - they are teething until 7 months of age, and they use their mouths to communicate.

They have to be taught what is appropriate and what is not.

There are many ways to train puppy not to nip. I have chosen the seven most common ways to train puppies not to nip.

These techniques are simple and effective. Any of them can be used when training puppy not to nip :

1) It's normal for a puppy to nip, and they grow out of it. So one way to train a puppy not to nip is when he nips or bites give him a little slap on the nose, then grab his mouth and hold it shut, scold him and say no, bad dog.

This will stop him thinking it is ok to nip. You need to make sure that you do the same thing everytime you train a puppy not to nip.

2) You can train a puppy not to nip by making a loud noise when they do it - a loud yelp and stopping all play normally does the trick.

3) Most puppies are mouthy/nippy because they're still young and curious about everything. Also they have not learned manners and how to control their bites.

Some dogs grow out of this behavior when they get older but some don't. When training puppies not to nip press down light, but yet firmly, on its tongue and within a few weeks this should stop. Make sure you have bones/toys for the puppy to chew, just like a baby it is teething.

4) It's not going to completely stop. You still have to train puppies not to nip. The bite inhabitation is teaching them when enough is enough and to not bite hard enough to draw blood.

Plus, to young puppies that are teething, it feels good to bite and chew. When the puppy starts biting on you, try yelping and turning away from the puppy.

After a few seconds, if it has left you alone, go back to playing or petting it. The puppy should get the idea that it's not a good thing to bite YOU or any other human.

5) Another way to train puppies not to nip is to try teaching them that they should only chew on the objects/toys you have provided for them. It should help to eliminate the biting/nipping problem.

6) Nipping and playful biting are principal ways that dogs play, especially with one another. How much they do that with you depends how you want them to behave. Giving them repeated gentle but firm admonitions about it will help them understand.

7) Another way to train puppies not to nip is when the puppy tries and grab your arm with its teeth but not bite, when playing. It is usually a territorial thing. Pull the arm back, and the puppy will know it can play, while still telling the puppy that you have seen that behavior before, and that it is not good behavior.

Training puppies not to nip involves a few different techniques. Play, enforced behavior, or verbal admonitions.

However you chose to train a puppy not to nip, make sure that you are consistent with your training. With time, and patience, the problem will be resolved.

David Crocombe is a dog trainer and owner of a 6 month old puppy. For more articles and resources on dog training, visit his site =>