If you've just brought a new puppy home, you'll probably find them nipping, chewing and biting everyone and everything they can reach as they go through the teething phase. In this post, our Queens vets explain why a puppy might be biting and share some tips on how to train a puppy not to bite.
Why does my puppy keep biting me?
Dogs interact and discover the world around them by nipping, chewing, and licking everything they can get their mouths on. This is especially true for curious young puppies. It's important to know that if your puppy is consistently biting you, this is an extremely normal phase of their development and that they don't typically do this out of anger or hate. Anyone who has raised a puppy has been through this biting stage in one way, shape, or form.
Puppies often bite due to curiosity and to help soothe their sore gums during the teething process.
How Long the Biting Stage Should Last
Though every puppy is different, on average, you can expect the biting stage to last between three and six months. We understand this can be an incredibly frustrating (and sometimes a bit painful) time for new dog owners, but try not to feel too overwhelmed. This stage will pass and we are here to share some tips and tricks to help you get your puppy's biting under control.
How to Stop a Puppy From Biting
While biting isn't something you should worry very much about initially, it can develop into a lifelong destructive habit if it's not properly curtailed at an early stage. Helping your puppy curb their 'mouthy' behaviour now is important before they grow stronger and, therefore, more capable of hurting people or other animals or causing serious harm to property.
You have various options, such as those listed below, to help reduce or eliminate your puppy's nipping and biting habits.
Teach Your Puppy Inhibition
It's very important for all dogs to learn how to moderate the force of their bite at a young age. There may be a time when they're in fearful or in pain, and they put their mouth on you or someone else. However, they'll understand that they shouldn't bite down hard if they've learned bite inhibition.
Puppies first learn how hard to bite by nipping at one another while playing. If they bite too hard on their mother or a littermate, the other dog will probably make a loud yelp sound, warning the puppy that the force of their bite has caused pain.
Depending on the dog, you can work with them on developing this bite inhibition. Each time they bite you, make a high-pitched "ow" sound. Be cautious, though, as some dogs get even more worked up when they hear this and are likely to nip again. In this case, it is better to turn around quietly and walk away, You might also choose to gently put your pup into their crate for a few m minutes to calm down. If they do back off, be sure to reward your dog with a treat and some verbal praise.
Redirect Your Pup's Behavior
If you suspect your puppy is biting out boredom or soreness during the teething phase, start by redirecting their biting away from you or objects around the house, to a toy or item they are allowed to chew on.
Encourage non-contact types of play, such as tug-of-war and fetch, rather than rough play and wrestling with your hands. Once your puppy is able to play tug-of-war safely, keep tug toys nearby or on hand if you're on a walk. If they begin to mouth you, you can immediately redirect them to the tug toy.
Whenever your pup ambushes you, stop moving instantly, bring out the tug toy, and wave it enticingly. When your puppy grabs the toy, you can start playing or walking again.
Let Them Spend Some Energy
Giving your puppy lots of exercise can be one of the best ways to stop puppy biting. Exercising a puppy is one of the best ways to help alleviate problem behaviors such as biting. Often, puppies act out when they haven’t had enough physical and mental stimulation.
Reinforce the Behaviors You Want to Encourage
We sometimes forget that when our puppy is calm and quiet, we should reinforce that with a “good dog”, a piece of kibble, and/or a pat. You’ll help them learn what behaviors you’re looking for through positive reinforcement.
Take Your Puppy to Training Classes
Taking your new puppy to a dog training class can be a safe and effective means of socialization and professional dog trainers can give you tips that can help curb your puppy's problematic behaviors such as biting. They have spent years learning how to train a puppy not to bite, so save yourself some frustration, and let the professionals take sure pressure off of you.
Never Get Frustrated
There will be times when you've reached your wits' end, but it is so important to stay calm and never get mad at your puppy. They are still trying to figure out the world around them, and they look up to you to guide them. If you show them your frustration, it could cause them to fear you or weaken your bond, which is the opposite of what you want.
Know the Difference Between Play Biting & Aggression
Most puppy nipping and biting are normal behaviors that they will outgrow. However, some puppies bite out of fear or frustration, and this type of biting can indicate future aggression.
Just like human children, puppies sometimes have temper tantrums when you make them do something they don't want to do or during play. A puppy temper tantrum is more severe and aggressive than a playful mouthing, but it can be difficult to tell the difference between them. In most cases, a playful puppy will have a relaxed body and face, whereas a puppy having a temper tantrum will have more of a stiff or frozen appearance. They may also pull their lips back to expose their teeth or growl when in a tantrum, and tantrum-induced bites will likely be much more painful than normal mouthing during play.
If you’re holding or handling your puppy and they start to throw a temper tantrum, avoid yelping like you’re hurt. This can cause your puppy to continue or intensify the behavior. Instead, be very calm and unemotional, and hold them firmly without constriction until they stop struggling. Just be sure not to restrain them too tight or hurt them during the process.
After they've calmed down for a few consecutive seconds, let them go. Then make plans to contact a qualified professional for help. Repeated bouts of biting in frustration are not something that the puppy will simply grow out of, so your puppy’s behavior should be assessed and resolved as soon as possible. If you need assistance curbing this behavior, consider seeking a qualified, professional dog trainer or behavior specialist.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.