Stop puppy nipping before it becomes painful!

A puppy nipping is biting but it is our job to teach them how to use their mouth before it become serious and they can do some damage. When puppies play, they mouth both with us humans and other dogs. It is very natural for them to play this way.

I’m sure you have seen dog play like this, which sometimes looks viscous, like our dog, Barry, in the picture below. He is playing with a small dog, and while he looks like he is about to bite the head off of little Maddie, Barry has been taught good bite inhibition and knows what will warrant a yelp from another dog. If a puppy bites another dog too hard the dog on the receiving end will yelp and walk away. Generally, that yelp, plus backing away from the play session, let’s the biting dog know that was too hard. That’s not what they want. They want to keep playing.

The hard bite in the above example immediately made the play stop. The reaction is immediate and clear. This is the same message we want to send our puppies when they bite us. Time and time again I see owners try to rationalize with their puppies when they bite too hard by explaining “no Fido, that hurt,” as they continue to play or pet the puppy. We need to be clear and consistent when teaching our puppies what is right and wrong. 

There are a few methods you can use to teach your dog not to use their mouths on humans. 

1) Replace your hand with a toy 

2) End play immediately if you feel their teeth 

3) Use a tether for quick cause and effect communication. 

Do your best to ALWAYS have a toy on you. When you are playing with them and you feel their bite, make a sharp sound, stop play and then offer them a toy. I find myself just saying “oops” when I feel their teeth. It isn’t crazy but it is immediate and the message is heard. We always want to show the dog the correct answer and not just punish them. The punishment in this situation is play ends, the correct answer is to chew on the toys. Eventually, they will learn that biting you isn’t as fun as playing with you with their toy.    

Please contact us if you have any questions on these tips, [email protected] or by visiting www.newmansdogtraining.com.

Also, follow us on Instagram @newmansdogtraining. You can also follow Barry’s adventures on Instagram @adventuredogbarry.

Happy Training!