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All puppies bite: fact. Whether it’s the leash, your furniture or your legs getting attacked on a daily basis - you aren’t alone. As much as we might wish they were more soft cuddlers than menacing land sharks...pups use their mouths to learn about the world. Mouthing and biting are healthy, natural behaviors - but if left unchecked they can become a big problem.
If you are feeling overwhelmed with your tiny velociraptor, don’t panic.This guide will give you helpful advice and solid strategies to nip that nipping in the bud!
As well as a way for young dogs to explore their new world, mouthing is both a common part of the teething processand a part of natural play activity for young dogs. Biting or chewing that takes place in these circumstances is totally normal behavior.
As they grow up, however, puppies need to begin to understandthat they can’t bite at people in general, and that they cannot bite hard during play.Especially as those small puppy teeth turn into full size gnashers! Some adopted dogs may have entered adolescence without any bite inhibition training, so it’s equally important for them to learn this self-restraint too.
While mouthing and play biting is perfectly normal, sometimes it can become more than that. Puppy “temper tantrums” are a real thing.Just like a toddler, some puppies can become overstimulated, afraid or angry and
As well as a way for young dogs to explore their new world, mouthing is both a common part of the teething processand a part of natural play activity for young dogs. Biting or chewing that takes place in these circumstances is totally normal behavior.
As they grow up, however, puppies need to begin to understandthat they can’t bite at people in general, and that they cannot bite hard during play.Especially as those small puppy teeth turn into full size gnashers! Some adopted dogs may have entered adolescence without any bite inhibition training, so it’s equally important for them to learn this self-restraint too.
While mouthing and play biting is perfectly normal, sometimes it can become more than that. Puppy “temper tantrums” are a real thing.Just like a toddler, some puppies can become overstimulated, afraid or angry and
bite with intent as a result. These little fits of fear or aggression are sometimes hard to differentiate from normal puppy biting, but are often accompanied by the following:
If you find this frequently happens, it’s worth contacting a dog behavior professional. They can identify any underlying stressors or causesthat you might not be aware of, and help you get a handle on anything that’s out of the ordinary.
At around 5-6 monthsyour little one will begin to lose their puppy teeth, which usually coincides with a drop in biting behavior. However it’s still important to incorporate training, otherwise the behavior may continue into adulthood.
Now you know more about the context of puppy biting, let’s examine the various strategies you can implement into your training routine.
If you find this frequently happens, it’s worth contacting a dog behavior professional. They can identify any underlying stressors or causesthat you might not be aware of, and help you get a handle on anything that’s out of the ordinary.
At around 5-6 monthsyour little one will begin to lose their puppy teeth, which usually coincides with a drop in biting behavior. However it’s still important to incorporate training, otherwise the behavior may continue into adulthood.
Now you know more about the context of puppy biting, let’s examine the various strategies you can implement into your training routine.
One general top tip- bear in mind that playing with you is huge for a dog. It builds a strong bond and encourages them to enjoy their relationship with humans. The focus on bite inhibition is to teach your puppy to play gently,rather than not playing at all.
One way to introduce the concept of inhibition is to teach a young pup that people have sensitive skin, so they must be gentle when interacting with us.
Puppies usually learn about bite inhibition during play with other puppies. If a bite is too hard the victim will give a quick yelp. This usually halts play in its tracks and teaches puppies to control the pressure of their bites.
Therefore, some behaviorists apply this to human-puppy play too. If a bite is too hard, immediately give a high-pitched yelp and stay still.This should give your pup a small shock, and show them that play has paused. Praise your puppy for stopping or for licking you, before resuming your activity.
It’s important to note that this technique may not be right for over-exuberant puppies.Many owners have noted it works with low energy, sensitive puppies only. So if it’s having no effect (or the opposite effect!) move onto the other options below.
One way to introduce the concept of inhibition is to teach a young pup that people have sensitive skin, so they must be gentle when interacting with us.
Puppies usually learn about bite inhibition during play with other puppies. If a bite is too hard the victim will give a quick yelp. This usually halts play in its tracks and teaches puppies to control the pressure of their bites.
Therefore, some behaviorists apply this to human-puppy play too. If a bite is too hard, immediately give a high-pitched yelp and stay still.This should give your pup a small shock, and show them that play has paused. Praise your puppy for stopping or for licking you, before resuming your activity.
It’s important to note that this technique may not be right for over-exuberant puppies.Many owners have noted it works with low energy, sensitive puppies only. So if it’s having no effect (or the opposite effect!) move onto the other options below.
A common and positive way to begin to teach your pup that they need to leave human skin (or your shoelaces!) alone, is to perform a tactical substitution. When your puppy tries to gnaw on something they aren't supposed to, replace that item with a toy or appropriate chewing item. This helps to build an association: “Oh, this is where my teeth go!”
In a similar way, redirection with treats is a great way to encourage your dog towards a positive behavior, rather than a destructive one. Using the treat, you can redirect your pup from chewing to a command or training exercise.This can begin to help them understand what behaviours get them what they want!
It’s a good idea to encourage non-contact forms of play, rather than roughhousing and play fighting - as tempting as that can be with a little furball. Fetch and tug-of-war are easier ways to teach your dog the kind of play you like, that doesn't involve nippingunwanted objects or skin. This can help with a natural association, and ideally your puppy will look for a toy when he feels like mouthing or playing.
In a similar way, redirection with treats is a great way to encourage your dog towards a positive behavior, rather than a destructive one. Using the treat, you can redirect your pup from chewing to a command or training exercise.This can begin to help them understand what behaviours get them what they want!
It’s a good idea to encourage non-contact forms of play, rather than roughhousing and play fighting - as tempting as that can be with a little furball. Fetch and tug-of-war are easier ways to teach your dog the kind of play you like, that doesn't involve nippingunwanted objects or skin. This can help with a natural association, and ideally your puppy will look for a toy when he feels like mouthing or playing.
To help your puppy let off some of that biting steam, make sure you give them plenty of opportunities for play with other puppies,or vaccinated and trustworthy adult dogs. As well as enhancing their socialization, a puppy who's been mouthing with others all day is much less motivated to play rough with you.
Some owners find that overstimulation is the biggest cause of their puppy’s biting.If they are getting enough activity and their maniac mode seems to come out of nowhere, it could mean your pup is in need of some downtime. Placing your pup in a crate or secure area with a bed can be a good way to let them decompressand learn to relax when they need to, even if they would never admit it themselves!
To help your puppy let off some of that biting steam, make sure you give them plenty of opportunities for play with other puppies,or vaccinated and trustworthy adult dogs. As well as enhancing their socialization, a puppy who's been mouthing with others all day is much less motivated to play rough with you.
Some owners find that overstimulation is the biggest cause of their puppy’s biting.If they are getting enough activity and their maniac mode seems to come out of nowhere, it could mean your pup is in need of some downtime. Placing your pup in a crate or secure area with a bed can be a good way to let them decompressand learn to relax when they need to, even if they would never admit it themselves!
Got a dog that just won't give up? Some breeds, like collies and cattle dogs were bred to nip, so it can be extra challenging for them to curb these behaviors. For these more enthusiastic pups, a "time out" can really help get the message across. If redirecting doesn’t work, shut down play immediately and leave the puppy alone for a few minutes. This way your puppy will begin to understand that biting means the “fun is over!” Just be sure to make sure your pup is in a safe space when left, such as a pen or room that is puppy-proofed.
The biggest thing to remember about puppy biting is to be patient and understanding- both with yourself and your pup. Playful mouthing is normal behavior for a puppy or young dog, and like anything worth having, there is no overnight fix for biting. You will make mistakes, forget and worry that you aren’t making progress. But that’s ok! Just remember you are doing your best. With lots of consistency, patience, and positivity you will see results.
Got a dog that just won't give up? Some breeds, like collies and cattle dogs were bred to nip, so it can be extra challenging for them to curb these behaviors. For these more enthusiastic pups, a "time out" can really help get the message across. If redirecting doesn’t work, shut down play immediately and leave the puppy alone for a few minutes. This way your puppy will begin to understand that biting means the “fun is over!” Just be sure to make sure your pup is in a safe space when left, such as a pen or room that is puppy-proofed.
The biggest thing to remember about puppy biting is to be patient and understanding- both with yourself and your pup. Playful mouthing is normal behavior for a puppy or young dog, and like anything worth having, there is no overnight fix for biting. You will make mistakes, forget and worry that you aren’t making progress. But that’s ok! Just remember you are doing your best. With lots of consistency, patience, and positivity you will see results.
