Puppy Biting

There are many reasons why puppies bite. The main one is that they are programmed by Nature to chew to bring their teeth through - and they're not fussy what they chew - be it the carpet or your hand! Puppy teeth are as sharp as needles, and "mouthing" must be discouraged from day one.

 

This type of puppy biting is easy to spot, as the puppy shows no signs of aggression, such as snarling, showing teeth or raising hackles. He simply takes hold of your fingers, or even your trouser leg. He has no hands, so he is simply exploring the world around him with his mouth. Rather like a toddler!

 

The way to deal with this very real problem is straightforward. Don't panic and phone the breeder, thinking you've bought an aggressive or vicious puppy - chances are that he will be fine, especially if his parents had sound temperaments. And, of course you checked that when you bought him from a reputable breeder, didn't you :)

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So how to stop your puppy biting? Try the following:-

 

• Show him, in no uncertain terms, that biting your hand is painful and displeases you. Say "No, Buster!" (always use his name) in a firm voice and make him let go. If he tries again, pretend to get cross - growl at him and give him a shake like his mother would.

 

• Make sure that he has safe toys, like Gumabones, to chew on.

 

• Be wary of playing tug-of-war games with him. If you do play, ensure that you initiate the game, make sure that you win, and then put the toy away - the puppy must learn that you are pack leader.

 

• Always supervise when children play with him - if he gets rough, stop the game and ignore him for a while, or put him in his crate. He likes to please you and will soon learn that unacceptable behavior only leads to being ignored - and he will hate that, as all puppies love attention!

 

• Do not allow visitors to encourage the puppy mouthing them because it's "cute". They won't think it's cute when he has fangs like a shark and takes a chunk out of them!

 

If you are firm and consistent in your handling of your puppy, he will soon grow out of the mouthing habit, although the chewing of other things may last until his baby teeth are all gone!