How To Control a Biting Puppy

Do you have a problem with your puppy biting, nipping or mouthing? Keep in mind that a puppy 16 weeks and younger are always mouthing, as this is normal behavior for young puppies.

A puppy mouths for certain reasons such as playing and communicating their needs. Puppies nip when they are needy, just as a baby cries. When your puppy begins mouthing or biting, you should ask yourself a few questions:

1. Is the puppy hungry or thirsty?

2. Is the puppy sleepy?

3. Does the puppy want to play?

4. Does the puppy need to go to the bathroom?

5. Does the puppy need exercise?

When your puppy is biting or nipping and will not stop, asking yourself these questions will help you determine the needs of your puppy. You can better control a biting puppy by following the tips below.

- When a puppy will not stop biting and has no real need, simply place the puppy calmly in its crate with a chew bone. Do not scold they puppy as you crate it.

- When a puppy licks you, say Kisses and offer warm praise. To encourage the puppy to lick, you can rub butter on your hands, while talking to the pup and teaching it to lick.

- Remember to hold your hand still when the puppy nips softly, as withdrawing your hand, appears to be an invitation to play or bite harder. In other words, do not pay the puppy any attention while nipping.

- When a puppy begins to bite harder, quickly turn and say, Ep, Ep! As you glare into its eyes for two seconds, then return to your routine. If the puppy persists, spray yourself with Bitter Apple. On the other hand, you may want to put the puppy on the leash so you can tug the lead sharply to the side. Alternatively, place the puppy in a quite area to cool off if it persists in nipping.

You will need to begin curbing your puppy now if it is older than 16 weeks and is still nipping. You will need to help the puppy understand that nipping is unacceptable. The tips below will aid you in discouraging a puppy from nipping or biting.

1. Stop all challenge games

These games may include, tug of war, chasing the dog, wrestling or teasing. Engaging in these activities only encourages the dog while sending the worst message. Such games teach and challenge the dog to bear down harder when biting anything including skin.

2. Discourage all mouthing

No matter if it is a soft bite or nibble to your body, it is unacceptable to bite, period.

3. Defense weapons

Consider the purchase of such items as a long-distance squirt gun, Bitter Apple spray or Mouth Spray. Do not stare at the puppy when spraying it, as this is confrontational interaction with an animal, and can result in unpleasantness.

4. Teaching Lead

You should leave a leash on the puppy since it will offer you a means of directing the puppy while avoiding physical confrontation. When your puppy is not wearing the Teaching Lead, simply place a short lead on its collar.

5. Continual interaction

When your puppy starts to mouth, turn to it while using the lead to snap its head from your body or you can spray the area that it is nipping. Remember not to glare at the puppy, since it will take that action as confrontational play.

6. Taking you seriously

If a puppy continues to mouth, after following these tips you should ask yourself a few more questions such as, Am I convincing? Am I snapping or pulling the leash? Keep in mind that pulling is encouragement to play. Is my puppy taking me seriously? Consider that you need more training before earning the respect of the puppy and then educate yourself.