Puppy Biting What’s Normal & What’s Not & How to Stop It?
Understanding Puppy Biting: What’s Normal and How to Stop It
If your puppy bites something they shouldn’t, like your hand, say “no biting” in a calm voice. If they keep biting, leave the room and stop playing. Do you need help with your puppy’s biting? We offer dog training classes near you to learn how to train your dog. Check our website for more info! Call Auburn Leach K9 Academy at (540) 448-6788. Puppies go through critical growing stages in their first year, during which they can easily become scared. This underscores the importance of seeking expert advice when training them, to ensure their well-being and development.
Teach your puppy that biting means “game over”. If your puppy bites you while playing, that means playtime is over, with no exceptions. Many puppies get really nippy when they’re overtired and/or overstimulated. If you notice this pattern with your puppy, enforcing naps should go a long way.Just as you wouldn’t give medical advice if you’re not a doctor, it’s crucial to seek professional dog training advice. Wrong advice can be harmful, so it’s important to always consult with professionals. Many people struggle with puppy biting and often get bad advice. We’re here to give you the best tips from experts.
Auburn Leach K9 Solutions 292 Draft Ave,
Stuarts Draft, VA 24477
Call (540) 448-6788
Email: auburnleach@icloud.com
1) Transform Your Dog, Guaranteed!
Is your dog a pain to walk? Terrible with guests at the door? Will not come when called? This program will completely change the way your dog responds to you. Contact our team for free estimates.
2) Aggression Rehabilitation
If your dog has bitten people, and has a history of getting into dog fights. we’ve got your back. We’ve helped countless struggling dog owners with this program. Learn to trust your dog again.
Understanding Puppy Biting: Why It Happens and How to Stop It
Good news! Most puppy biting is totally normal. Here’s why:
- Exploring: Puppies use their mouths to learn about the world.
- Teething: Puppies have sore gums while their new teeth grow in, which lasts about 2-3 months.
- Play: Puppies engage in rough play with their siblings, often using their mouths. This is a natural and playful behavior that helps them learn social skills and boundaries.
- Breed Traits: Herding dogs like to nip and chase, which means they might try to herd small, moving things like kids! Retrievers love to hold things, including your hands.
What Not to Do:
Dog Trainer Staunton Never use physical punishment to stop Dog biting. Some lousy advice includes squeezing a puppy’s mouth shut or pinning them down, but these are not helpful. Studies show that dogs aren’t trying to be the boss when they bite. Physical punishment can be ineffective and harmful, making your puppy scared or aggressive.
What You Should Do:
Dog Trainer Lynchburg Setting Clear Rules: A Crucial Step When Getting a Puppy when you bring a puppy into your home, it’s essential to establish clear and fair rules, especially when it comes to biting.
Meet Needs: Ensure your puppy isn’t hungry, tired, or bored. If it seems extra nippy, it might need an extra nap or meal.
Important Notes on Puppy Biting
Ignore Biting: A Powerful Strategy for Managing Puppy Biting if your puppy bites you, the best response is no response. Simply leave the room quietly. Crossing your arms can prevent you from inadvertently encouraging behavior. Stopping play shows the fun is over. If ignoring is hard, go behind a door or use a baby gate.
If your puppy nips again when you return, leave. Dog Trainer Waynesboro After a few days of consistent Dog training, you should start to notice a decrease in biting and a less intense biting when it does occur. This is a sign that your efforts are paying off. Sometimes, puppies think walking away is a fun game! If this happens, use the side of your leg as a gentle block instead of your hands. It might take a few tries, so be patient and avoid yelling.
Helpful Reminders:
- Praise your puppies when they’re behaving well.
- Everyone at home must follow the same rules.
- Remember, biting might last until your puppy is about 5-6 months old. It’s normal!
Why This Works:
- If biting isn’t rewarded, it stops.
- Your puppy learns that biting doesn’t get them what they want.
- They’ll try other ways to get your attention, like sitting nicely.
Extra Tips:
- Have a special area like a playpen for your puppy to calm down.
- Make sure your puppy has chew toys, gets exercise, and isn’t in a crate too long.
- Puppies need three meals a day.
What Clients Are Saying About Our Dog Trainers
Auburn has done an incredible job getting to know Rocky individually and tailoring our training to Rocky’s personality and needs. Rocky is a very stubborn boy and can be intimidating but Auburn accepted the challenge and exceeded our expectations. We had to try a few different methods before finding the right fit, but Auburn was patient and persistent and has done a fantastic job teaching my husband and I how to effectively communicate with our big boy. Rocky is now following our lead instead of constantly trying to take charge, he listens to commands even around distractions, and as a result is a much more relaxed and happy boy - big deal for a guardian breed!
Our walks have become so much more enjoyable and we no longer have to repeat commands multiple times to get the desired behavior. As Rocky continues to grow we will keep working with Auburn as needed to fine tune any behavioral issues that might pop up as we go through adolescence and the teenage phase. I couldn’t be happier with the progress we’ve made and feel confident knowing we have Auburn as a resource if any challenges arise as Rocky matures into adulthood.
Selecting a trainer wasn’t something we took lightly considering Rocky’s breed. We couldn’t work with just your average trainer, we needed someone with the knowledge and confidence to handle difficult and powerful dogs. We are more than satisfied with the results Auburn has given us and I’d absolutely recommend his services to anyone looking for help with behavioral issues!
So back he went to Auburn and will be returned to us on Monday.
We cannot say enough good things about Auburn, we agree with his teaching methods and animals love him. When he came to pick up our puppy, Stuart, the minute Auburn spoke is name he ran immediately to Auburn. If Stuart had been mistreated in Auburn's care he would not have been so eager to see him. We say give Auburn a try and we trust that you will be very satisfied with your dog.
When to Worry:
Dog Trainer Northern Virginia Remember, yelling or pushing can feel like a game to a puppy, so be calm and quiet. Contact a professional dog trainer near you if your puppy:
- Dog Growls or snaps over food or toys.
- Dog Stares or stiffens before biting.
- Dog Bites are hard enough to break skin.
- Dog Barks, growls, or nips at new people.
- Dog Snaps or growls at kids.
If Dog biting isn’t getting better, consider your puppy’s breed, past, and health. Sometimes health issues can make biting worse. For more help, look for tips from professionals. Check out these additional tips.
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