How do you teach a puppy not to bite?

1. 83

   Faith Reaperposted 10 years ago

   How do you teach a puppy not to bite?
   
   A puppy has razor sharp teeth, as I am reminded when our puppy tries to eat my toes. It hurts! He is just playing and does not realize it hurts when he bites. I do not want my grands to be afraid of him and wondered how does one train a puppy not to bite? He has plenty of chew toys and bones.

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2. 85

   Jackie Lynnleyposted 10 years ago

   Personally "at at" always worked with a pretend slap if the words don't do it for any dog I had. I used it for any correction and it kept my peek a poo from doing that shrill barking, she would only growl but when she was outside she could bark and she knew it, They are really smart to learn these things I think but you do have to start right away. I got her when she was 3 months old.

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      agilitymachposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Geeze Louise!!!  NEVER slap a dog, even lightly.  This creates the baggage of the dog becoming hand shy.  If you reach for a dog and it ducks, chances are YOU'VE created a dog afraid of you by slapping, grabbing, or even hitting.  NEVER do this.

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      Faith Reaperposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Jackie, thank you for answering.  They are very smart indeed.  Hi agilitymach, looks like Jackie said "pretend" slap and not actually slap.

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3. 88

   Just Ask Susanposted 10 years ago

   Hi Faith, I have a hub written that you may find helpful.
   http://hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Correct- … or-in-Dogs

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      agilitymachposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      This is a good method for teaching the pup not to bite, too.  This one may be easiest for your grandkids to implement.

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      Faith Reaperposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Susan, thank you so much for sharing.  I have a lot to check out and so glad all are providing great answers here.  I should have my pup trained before too long now.  Hi agilitymach, oh, good, about the grandkids implementing such too!

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4. 87

   bravewarriorposted 10 years ago

   I don't have dogs or puppies, but when teaching my cats not to do no-no's, I snap my fingers, point and say "no!" sternly all in one motion.
   
   BTW, what did you decide to name your puppy?

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      Faith Reaperposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Sha, that is funny about the snapping of fingers because I did snap my fingers above his head and said "no!" and he sat down. LOL My husband liked the name Max, so that is what he is named.

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5. 93

   agilitymachposted 10 years ago

   This answer really depends on the dog - as most dog training does.  There is no "cookie cutter" answer.  That being said, the method that works for most of my students' dogs (I'm a professional dog trainer) is to set up firm play time boundaries and follow them with 100 percent consistency.  In most pet homes, I recommend a "no teeth period" boundary.  If you are playing with your dog, and he puts his teeth on you, your clothes, your shoes, or your hair, you squeal like you've been hurt, stop ALL play and walk away.  You can return to play after about a minute.  When you walk away, you totally ignore the dog.  This works for most dogs.
   
   You never play with your dog with your hands as the toy (ie. letting the dog play bitey with your hands).  You ALWAYS have a toy in your hand.  You will squeal, drop the toy and walk away even if the dog puts his teeth on you on accident.
   
   If squealing like the bite hurts makes the dog get even more bitey, then stop the squealing and when the dog bites, drop the toy, get up and walk away.  Don't talk to the dog.  Don't verbalize at all.  All energy should leave the room.  You are done.  Play is done.  Fun is done.  You can return and rebuild the fun energy after about a minute.
   
   I bet Alexandra has an article on how to stop play biting.  She's a good dog trainer, and I'd recommend you check out her page to see what she's got listed.
   
   Don't use any punishment based method like grabbing the nose, slapping (gasp!!), or other such methods as any punishment method will carry baggage.  The baggage will be some sort of other negative behavior you don't want either, like running away from your hands in fear of being slapped.  There are ways to train anything WITHOUT PUNISHMENT that will leave your dog's personality in tact and leave your dog baggage free.

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      Faith Reaperposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Hello agilitymach, wow, thank you so much for all of the great information here! I will check out her page.  That makes a lot of sense about no punishment.  I appreciate you taking the time to answer!

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      wychicposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      This is the method I've used with TONS of puppies, as well as adults that never learned bite inhibition. So far I haven't found anything that works quite as well.

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      Faith Reaperposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Hello wychic, thank you for taking the time to confirm such!  Have a great day.

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   luvtoowriteposted 10 years ago

   You clap your hands together to make sure you have his full attention and with an authoritative tone say, "No Bite!" It worked with my Akita. I don't even let her play bite; this is so bad habits don't develop in their adult years.
   
   Hope this helps!

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      Faith Reaperposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Hello luvtoowrite, Thank you so much for taking time to answer.  Yes, I have heard about not allowing them to even play bite, as you indicate, it will develop into bad habits when grown.  I appreciate the advice!

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