Is your puppy biting you and other members of your family? Are you at your wit’s end trying to figure out how to teach him not to bite? Whether the biting is playful or aggressive, this behavior must be stopped, now. If puppy is allowed to continue biting while he is young, he will bite as an adult dog and that can spell big trouble for both you and your dog.

Types of Biting

There are two types of biting – normal or playful biting and aggressive biting. Playful biting and nipping is a common behavior in puppy litters. They tumble, play, romp, bite and nip. This is normal.

Playful Biting

When you bring your puppy home, you and your family become his litter or pack. Since biting was normal behavior in the litter-pack, your puppy will think it is normal behavior in this new pack. When you play with or pat your puppy, you will find that your arm or hand, or both will end up in his mouth. This is referred to as mouthing. All puppies do it, but it cannot be allowed to continue.

Say No to Playful Biting

A puppy’s teeth are sharp as razors. It won’t be long until your arms and hands are riddled with puncture marks. When your puppy bites, cuddle him to your chest and encircle his muzzle with your other hand, at the same time saying a sharp, firm, and “No!” After repetitive and consistent reprimands, puppy will grow to realize that his playful biting is not acceptable and will give up the annoying habit.

When you encircle your puppy’s muzzle in your hand, do it gently but firmly. Be sure your hand is not over his nose. He has to be able to breathe while being reprimanded. This method of training will not work if other members of the pack (family) are encouraging roughhousing. Let all members of the pack know that rough play will not be tolerated.

Chew Toys

Be sure to buy your puppy lots of chew toys. Encourage him to play with them. Praise him when he chews the right things. When he chews household items, take them away and replace them with one of his toys. He will soon learn what is acceptable and what is not.