As a fellow puppy parent, I understand the frustration that comes with a furry tornado wreaking havoc through relentless biting.
It can leave you feeling overwhelmed and even questioning your decision to bring a puppy into your life.
I’m here to share my journey and the valuable lessons I’ve learned along the way to help you put an end to this tornado of puppy biting.
Let’s dive into some practical strategies that will help you conquer this challenge and enjoy a harmonious relationship with your furry friend.
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Aggressive behavior displayed by puppies can be attributed to various factors. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior is crucial to address and correct it effectively.
Here are some reasons why the puppy may exhibit aggressive biting behavior toward its owner:
Lack of socialization: Insufficient socialization during the early stages of a puppy’s life can contribute to aggressive biting. Furry friends that haven’t been exposed to various people, animals, and environments may feel fearful or anxious, leading to defensive aggression.
Teething: They go through a teething phase (from 12 weeks to 6 months), during which their gums can become sore and itchy. As a result, they may seek relief by biting or chewing on objects, including their owners’ hands.
Play behavior gone wrong: Puppies often engage in play biting as a way to interact with their owners. However, if not taught proper bite inhibition, this play behavior can escalate into aggressive biting. They may not realize the strength of their bite and continue biting too hard.
Genetics and breed tendencies: Certain breeds may have a higher inclination towards aggressive behaviors, including biting. It’s important to consider the breed characteristics (livestock guardian dog) and consult with a professional if necessary.
To address aggressive puppy biting, it’s essential to implement appropriate training techniques, such as teaching bite inhibition, providing positive reinforcement for desired behaviors, and ensuring proper socialization.
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What Are the Benefits of Teaching Bite Inhibition?
Using bite inhibition methods has several benefits when it comes to dealing with a puppy’s biting behavior. They learn the initial lessons of bite inhibition from their mother and littermates.
If a puppy bites too hard, its sibling will yelp and stop playing.
The mother dog will often give the puppy a stern look, and if that doesn’t deter their behavior, she may growl at or nip the puppy to put a stop to it.
It can be a loud “ouch” or any other sound that indicates to the dog they’ve gone too far.
While yelping, freeze in place.
When the dog lets go, turn your back on them and ignore them for at least 30 seconds, but no longer than 2 minutes.
Ignoring the dog is their punishment because they crave your attention the most. You can also put them in their crate for up to two minutes or leave the room.
After the “time out,” resume the interrupted activity. If the dog continues to behave inappropriately, repeat the punishment. [1]
Engaging your puppy in interactive play with toys not only keeps them entertained but also prevents them from using your hands or feet as playthings.
This technique works especially well during the teething phase when puppies are around 3 to 6 months old.
To effectively redirect your puppy’s biting behavior, avoid immediately rewarding them with toys or treats after being bitten; instead, address the behavior by instructing them to lie down, stay calm, or sit and once they comply, offer the reward as a consequence for their appropriate actions. [2]
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Try Positive Reinforcement Methods!
Positive reinforcement involves rewarding your puppy for desired behaviors rather than focusing on punishment for undesirable ones.
By using treats, praise, and playtime as rewards, you can create a positive learning environment and motivate your beloved pooch to choose appropriate alternatives to biting.
This approach not only helps to teach your dog what behavior is expected but also strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend.
However, there are moments when they try to bite my hand or leg during playtime, and that’s when I need to take action.
It doesn’t make sense to punish a puppy under 3 months old; a firm and confident “No” is enough, without sounding angry. [3]
If I see that it’s not having an effect, we pause the play and engage in gentle ignoring until the situation calms down.
A similar approach applies to feeding, which is why I suggest watching the following video where my father does serious training with a highly spirited puppy from our breeding kennel.
It’s important to remember that you don’t have to be overly strict with your furry companion, as dogs are natural predators.
Their teeth are designed for biting and grabbing.
However, if your puppy is over 7 months old and continues to exhibit excessive biting behavior, it could indicate a more serious issue – dominance.
In such cases, it’s crucial to establish yourself as the pack leader and enforce your rules. Seeking professional assistance is never a bad idea if needed.
Thank you for your attention and remember, with patience, consistent training, and love, you can successfully address and put an end to puppy-biting behaviors.
Your bond with your pet will grow stronger as you guide them toward becoming well-behaved and happy members of your family.
My name is Alen Stefanovic, and I am the founder of the AwesomeSarplaninac.com. As an economist-trade manager, and web designer, I have a passion for the Sarplaninac breed (number 1 dogs for me). My father has been breeding these dogs since 1990, and through the website, I aim to share valuable information about nutrition, care, and training for both puppies and adult dogs. Whether you're a new or experienced owner, you'll find plenty of helpful tips and resources on the site. I wish you a pleasant stay.
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