Puppy Biting

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Dealing with Biting - Training the Companion Dog 2 – Behavior Problems

Bite-inhibition is a very important step-by-step process.  When you play active games with your dog, it’s important to enforce strict rules.  Otherwise, your dog’s our of control play will get them in trouble some day.

Embedded thumbnail for Puppy Biting - Training the Companion Dog 2 – Behavior Problems

Puppy Biting - Training the Companion Dog 2 – Behavior Problems

Play like a puppy: when your pup bites you, yelp and stop playing with them for a moment to let them know you didn’t like it.

Embedded thumbnail for Rules for Mouthing - SIRIUS Puppy Training Classic

Rules for Mouthing - SIRIUS Puppy Training Classic

To train human bite inhibition, put your hand in their mouth and praise them until they bite hard enough that it hurts a little.  Yell “Ouch!” to let them know they’ve hurt you and they will relax their jaws, at which point you can resume praising them.

Embedded thumbnail for Puppy Biting - SIRIUS Puppy Training Classic

Puppy Biting - SIRIUS Puppy Training Classic

Puppy biting is a vital part of dog development.  Do not stop them from mouthing until you’ve trained them to have a gentle mouth.  Then they won’t get into trouble by hurting other people or dogs.

Embedded thumbnail for Punishing Biting - Training the Companion Dog 2 – Behavior Problems

Punishing Biting - Training the Companion Dog 2 – Behavior Problems

If your pup doesn’t get the message from a simple yelp, you should yell louder and put them on time-out by leaving the room.  Always take a moment to make up after a harsh reprimand by asking them to come and sit, then give them a treat.

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Don't Touch

All-or-None reward training is the easiest way to train your dog to teach your dog “Off”

Embedded thumbnail for Puppy Biting

Puppy Biting

 
Training:  Puppy Biting

Puppy Biting

Puppies bite. And thank goodness they do! Puppy play-fighting and play-biting are essential for your puppy to develop a soft mouth as an adult.
Puppy biting seldom causes appreciable harm, but many bites are quite painful and elicit an appropriate reaction—a yelp and a pause in an otherwise extremely enjoyable play session. Thus, your puppy learns that his sharp teeth and weak jaws can hurt. Since your puppy enjoys play-fighting, he will begin to inhibit the force of his biting to keep the game going. Thus your puppy will learn to play-bite gently before he acquires the formidable teeth and strong jaws of an adolescent dog.

 

Fighting With Dogs

Many people have unrealistic expectations about dog-dog social behavior. Dogs are expected to behave perfectly and get along with all other dogs, even though people have difficulty being universally accepting and friendly. However, although people may often disagree, argue, and sometimes resort to pushing and shoving, very few people inflict severe injuries. When tempers flare, extreme physical aggression is strongly inhibited. Really, dogs are not that much different.

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