subject: The 3 Best Ways To Teach Your Puppy To Stop Biting [print this page] The 3 Best Ways To Teach Your Puppy To Stop Biting
If you've just welcomed a new puppy to your family, you're going to want to grab a cup of coffee and a comfortable seat and read this article right away.
In this article, I'm going to discuss a few effective methods to train your puppy to stop biting. First, we'll go over why puppies bite. Next, I'll talk about 3 fantastic methods that are proven to get your puppy to stop biting.
First, let's talk about some of the reasons that puppies bite. Many people think it's because they are trying to establish themselves as the dominant "animal" of the household. Although that's true to a certain extent, it isn't the main reason puppies bite.
Biting is a behavior that puppies have learned from birth. It's used in the first 6 or 8 weeks that they are with their mother as a form of communication and a means for momma pooch to show her offspring how to behave. Hence, the pup adopts it as normal behavior and when he is removed from his littermates, he needs to be taught that it's no longer acceptable behavior.
Another reason is teething. Biting and chewing eases discomfort, much the same way it does in human babies. One of the best things to do when your puppy is teething is to provide alternatives for your puppy. By this I mean get your puppy some chew toys so you don't find holes in all of your good socks and sneakers!
Biting in puppies is normal behavior and rarely causes any harm. However, it must not be allowed to continue into adulthood. A bite from a fully grown dog can cause serious injury, especially to children.
So what can you do to stop biting? One of the most popular and effective techniques is called "mimicking". Here's how it works: If (I should say "when") your puppy bites, emit a loud yelp. Glare at the pup and slowly get up and move away from him. Leave the puppy alone for several minutes.
In doing so, you'll be sending a clear message to the little guy that biting is going to cause him to lose his playmates. Puppies are social creatures so that's the last thing the rambunctious little fella (or gal) wants!
With the next method, you are going to make use of the word "no". As soon as your puppy nips or bites, gently hold his mouth closed and say "no" in a loud, firm tone. After a few seconds, release his mouth and let him alone for at least 15 or 30 minutes. I know it's hard because he's so cute, but you can do it!
The third and final technique is called the "off" method. Get a handful of dry food, hold it in front of your puppy with your hand closed, and then say "off". Do this until your puppy has not touched your hand for 10 seconds or more. When your puppy achieves this, say "take it" and give him some of the food.
There are two important things you have to do in order for these methods to work. First, you must always maintain eye contact with your puppy. Second, you have to get everyone in the family to do the same thing. Consistency is key here.
If these methods fail, you'll need to use the "time out" method. "Time out" is nothing more than implementing the above methods and then putting your puppy in a crate or a room by himself for a while to ponder his misbehavior. Trust me, he'll know he's being punished and why.
