If your puppy has a problem with nipping or biting, you can use some techniques that will change the behaviour and help prevent it. There are a couple of different ways to accomplish this, and it may take a little time and patience from you, but most dogs respond well once they’ve been taught what is expected of them.
One way to handle this issue is by teaching your puppy bite inhibition. This involves letting out a short yelp whenever he bites to tell him that his teeth hurt. Over time, he’ll learn not to nip because it hurts too much for you. Another technique is to redirect his attention onto something else when he tries to bite – such as giving him a chew toy – so that he learns that nipping isn’t acceptable.
With consistent training and patience, your puppy will eventually learn what is and isn’t appropriate behaviour. If he continues to struggle with nipping or biting, you may want to consult a professional trainer or behaviourist for additional help.
Puppy younger than 16 weeks
If your puppy is younger than 16 weeks and is constantly nipping, it’s normal behaviour – young puppies mouth a lot. They mouth when playing; they also mouth to communicate their needs.
If your puppy starts mouthing, ask yourself these questions:
- Is he hungry or thirsty?
- Does he need to eliminate it?
- Is he sleepy?
- Does he need to play?
Remember, puppies nip when they feel needy (like a baby cries). If your puppy does not let up, ask yourself if he wants something, like an outing, exercise, or a drink. The following things can help you control mouthing and nipping:
1. If your puppy does not need anything and he still will not quit, crate or isolate him with a favourite bone. Do not scold your puppy as you isolate her. Calmly place the puppy in her area.
2. Whenever your puppy licks you, say “Kisses” and praise her warmly. Encourage licking by slathering your hands with a frozen stick of butter.
3. Withhold your attention when your puppy nips softly. Keep your hand still; withdrawing your hand is an invitation to play and bite harder.
4. If your puppy starts biting down hard, turn quickly, say “Ep, Ep!” and glare into her eyes for two seconds; then go back to your routine. If she persists, try spritzing yourself with Bitter Apple or affix a leash onto your puppy so that you can tug the lead sharply to the side. If necessary, place her in a quiet area to cool off.
Puppy older than 16 weeks
If you have a puppy who still nips when he is older than 16 weeks, you need to start curbing it now. Although nipping will continue, you need to clarify that it is unacceptable.
Following are a few tips to help you:
1. Stop all challenge games. These games teach dogs to clamp down hard on any object – a leash, the laundry, your shirt, or even your skin – and challenge. These games include wrestling, tug-of-war, chasing your dog around, and teasing. When you engage in these activities, you’re sending the wrong message.
2. Discourage all nipping, whether a bite on your arm or a nibble on your finger. Teeth do not belong on human skin, period.
3. Purchase a few weapons in defence, such as Mouth Spray, Bitter Apple spray, or a long-distance squirt gun. Never stare at your pup while you spritz or spray her; doing so turns an unpleasant result into an aggressive interaction.
4. Leave a leash on your puppy so you have something to direct her with and can avoid physical confrontation. If your dog’s not wearing the Teaching Lead, place a short lead onto her buckle collar.
5. If your puppy begins to mouth, turn to him, use a lead or collar to snap her head from your body, or spritz the region he is nipping with a spray. Do not glare at him; otherwise, he will perceive your actions as aggressive play.
Conclusion
If he continues to nip, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I look convincing?
- Am I snapping or pulling? (Pulling encourages play.)
- Is my dog taking me seriously?
- You may need more training before you earn his respect.