How to Make a Puppy Stop Biting

By J.R. Kendall

Instructions

Step 1:
Train your puppy that biting is painful. Each time the pup nips you, call out "No bite!" and yelp (as another puppy would in her natural environment). This will communicate to your puppy that she is playing too rough. Never hurt or harm your puppy in any way.
Step 2:
Stop playtime and ignore your puppy. If the puppy ignores your previous response and continues to nip, state "No bite!" firmly and calmly. Then, remove your puppy from the room for 5 minutes. Place her in a secure area--such as an enclosed kitchen--and wait until she is calm (not whining). Then, allow her to rejoin the "pack." Your puppy will soon understand that biting behavior is not allowed in her family.
Step 3:
Provide safe and accessible chew toys. Alleviate puppy boredom and encourage natural canine instincts by allowing him to chew on appropriate things. While supervised, give your puppy a safe chew toy, such as a Kong toy. Consult a professional at a pet store for puppy toy recommendations. Allowing for nibble time will teach your puppy that it's OK to chew on appropriate things.
Step 4:
Avoid games that encourage biting behaviors. Don't teach your puppy about tug-of-war or facilitate rough play. These games can promote dog biting and dominance issues. Don't let young children play with the biting puppy until the problem behavior is eliminated.
Step 5:
Reinforce positive behaviors. When your puppy plays nicely, give her plenty of praise and affection. She'll learn from your encouraging reaction that not biting pleases her pack leader. This requires that all family members follow a consistent training regimen.
Step 6:
Socialize your puppy. A biting puppy would quickly be redirected by another dog or her mother if she was with her litter. Allow her to socialize with other dogs (through an obedience class or at the dog park) while she's still a puppy so she can learn about playing limits. Additionally, exercise is imperative to your puppy's obedience, happiness and health.

Tips & Warnings

Take your puppy on plenty of walks to alleviate boredom and reduce nipping habits. Consult a training professional if your puppy's biting continues.
Never harm a biting puppy.Puppy-proof your home by removing or hiding dangerous objects that your puppy could chew on, such as electrical wires, plants, mouse traps and loose, small objects.

Photo/Video Credit

eHow

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