Why do puppies bite?
Dog owners have been trying to stop puppies from biting without
knowing why puppies bite in the first place. By understanding
why your puppy bites is the first step in training him not to
bite.
The main reason why puppies bite is as a result of Puppy
Teething.
Puppies' jaws are weak and as a result of new teeth they gnaw,
mouth and even play-bite to sooth the gums around the teeth.
This combination of weak jaws with extremely sharp, needle-like
teeth, can result in numerous play-bites which, although
painful, seldom cause serious harm. The developing pup,
therefore, receives ample feedback regarding the force of its
bites before it develops strong jaws - which could inflict
considerable injury. The greater the pup's opportunity to
play-bite with people, other dogs and other animals, the better
the dog's bite inhibition as an adult.
Puppy Socialization
Proper puppy socialization is important when teaching your dog
"bite inhibition." Your puppy is a blank slate and needs to be
taught proper behaviour around humans and other animals. Once
she is taught proper behaviour, it will carry into adulthood.
For puppies that do not grow up with the benefit of regular and
frequent interaction with other dogs and other animals, the
responsibility of teaching bite inhibition lies with the owner.
All puppies love to play by being mouthy and biting or chewing
anything they can get their sharp little teeth into. These sharp
teeth are the reason that it is crucial for puppies to learn
bite inhibition (controlling the force of their bite) during the
first few months of life. Normally this is learned naturally and
effectively through contact with mom and other littermates. If
the puppy bites mom during nursing, mom can roll the puppy over
to correct it or just get up and walk away. Most young puppies
do not aggressively bite. If you have an aggressive puppy, you
should give very serious consideration about keeping such a dog.
Puppy aggression may lead to dangerous behaviour as an adult dog
if not properly handled.
Next the owner must realize that the puppy does not know how to
act around humans. The puppy has not had much life experience
outside of its interactions with its canine family. Proper
socialization techniques are crucial at this stage of your
puppy's development. You can learn these puppy socialization
techniques in "Dog Bite Prevention," which is part of our Puppy
Health & Training Package at:
http://www.dogdaypets.com/perfectpuppy.html. How to Train a puppy to stop biting:
The best way to start teaching your puppy to stop its biting is
to do what his littermates would have done were they in the same
position. Puppies usually learn bite inhibition from their
mothers and littermates. When a puppy bites its littermates,
they will yelp and go away. This same method can be applied by
you. As soon as your puppy starts to bite, you should give a
loud, yelping OUCH! Glare at the pup, get up and move away. This
way you can start ignoring behaviors you don't like. Be
persistent with this method and advise your family to do the
same.
If your pup does not change then you can start applying the
'Time Out 'method. You just leave the room or take him into
his crate.
Another way to use this method is this; when your puppy bites,
say "no" and gently hold its mouth shut. This will teach him to
keep his mouth shut. Since the puppy is a social creature,
saying no, yelping, holding his mouth or walking away will teach
him that he will lose his playmate.
An important fact about the above two methods is to maintain eye
contact with your pup when saying "no" and also watching the
tone of your voice. Your tone should be in the form of a
command, sharp and to the point. Emitting a growling tone will
convey the message in his langauge.
Your duty as a puppy owner is to plan a response to active puppy
teething that will soften the impact on you and your
possessions. The best way to do this is to provide your pup with
better chewing alternatives instead of your fingers and limbs.
You can buy toys like hard rubber balls, sterilized or nylon
bones and knotted ropes from pet supply stores. In a low voice
you can say "no" then remove her into a neutral area where you
can give her any of the above stated toys or others to play with.
Praising your puppy whenever she behaves well is one of the best
ways to teach her what's right. She will surely want to continue
getting the praise. So when she plays nicely and appropriately,
praise the action.
Another method is teaching the "off" command.
You get a puppy's dry food. Hold a handful and close your hand
with it then say "off." Note what happens. After a few seconds,
if your puppy has not touched your hand, say "take it" or "OK"
and give him a piece of food. The lesson you are teaching him
here is that "off' means not to touch.
Teach all your family members not to play any rough games like
tug-of-war or wrestling which may encourage aggressive behavior
like biting. Also teach them to be consistent with the "no
biting" rule. With everyone working together, you will achieve a
well-behaved, well-adjusted puppy and, ultimately, adult dog.
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