Puppies tend to bite – that’s just something that comes naturally to them. But with their needle-sharp teeth and enthusiasm, they can hurt you and rip apart things all too easily. How do you teach them to stop it?
Stay Consistent
Make sure everyone that interacts with your dog knows what to do and what not to do. This applies to both family and visitors alike – your dog needs to learn that no one is an exception.
Redirect Their Attention
When they start biting, swipe their target with something you’d rather they chew on instead. That way, they will learn to chew on their toys instead of on you.
Keep Calm
Shouting, running, or waving your hands around when bitten can make it all seem like it’s part of some game. This can make them excited, which will encourage them to bite more often and harder.
Don’t Overstimulate Them
Excited puppies usually start biting – especially when caught up in playtime. Know when to call it quits before you reach that point, for both your sake and your puppy’s.
Yelping May Not Always Work
Common advice is to yelp or shout in pain if/when your puppy bites. Depending on your puppy, however, this can possibly make them bite down harder instead. Make sure that this method works on them before using it as a deterrent.
Feature Image Source: Pixabay