3 Tips to Fix Your Puppy’s Biting Issue

 Hey puppy owners of Tampa! Jenna from Sit Happens Tampa here.

Tip #1: Avoid Aggressive Play

It is natural for puppies to use their mouth to explore and learn about the world around them, but some puppies may still find it fun to bite when playing with people and other pets. When playing with your puppy, it is important to avoid games that involve roughhousing as this can encourage them to bite as part of the game. Instead, opt for gentle tug-of-war type games or playing fetch. This can help them understand the difference between a playful interaction and one that is meant to be taken seriously.

The first tip to fixing your puppy’s biting issue is to instruct them on bite inhibition. This means teaching them that biting is not okay and that it’s not acceptable to use their teeth on people or objects. To do this, it’s important to always respond immediately anytime your puppy begins to bite. 

Classically, it is important to immediately stop all play, give a loud verbal reaction such as “Ouch”, and then ignore them for a few seconds. After a few seconds, resume the play session, and repeat this for every instance of biting. Over time and with consistency, your puppy will learn to stop their biting whenever you give the verbal reaction—this is the goal of teaching bite inhibition. 

Tip #2: Use Positive Reinforcement

One of the best and most effective ways to train your puppy is through the use of positive reinforcement. When your puppy stops biting, reward them with a treat or other form of positive reinforcement. This will help them learn that good behaviors are rewarded and that biting will not be tolerated. You can also provide verbal praise when your puppy stops biting or after they complete an instructed behavior. Over time, they will learn that biting is not acceptable behavior, but positive reinforcement and praise can help to keep them on the right track.

Another tip to fix your puppy’s biting issue is to focus on playing with appropriate toys instead. Praise your pup when they engage in positive behaviors and focus on providing them with toys they can chew on while they play. 

Not only will this prevent your puppy from developing the behavior of biting, but it will also be a much safer and more enjoyable experience for them. Asking them to bite toys rather than their owners can also be entertaining, and it’s an easy way to establish positive reinforcement. 

Tip #3: Correct and Redirect

When your puppy does start to bite, it is important to provide a firm but gentle correction and immediately redirect their attention to a more appropriate activity. For example, if they start to bite your hand, firmly say “No” and then offer them a toy to chew on instead. Alternatively, you can call them by name and have them sit, which can divert their attention from the undesired behavior. Redirecting their attention will help them understand that biting is not acceptable, as well as provide them with an alternative activity to focus on.

The last tip to fixing your puppy’s biting issue is to be proactive in the supervision and monitoring of your pup. Generally, it will be difficult for them to correct their biting behaviors if they aren’t able to practice it. Therefore, it’s important to monitor their interactions and limit their contact with other animals or people where biting may occur. 

Never leave your puppy alone or unsupervised, especially not with other pets or children. Instead, be sure to let your puppy interact with people and animals in a controlled and safe environment, such as using a leash for walks or a baby gate for in the house. It’s also important to always reward good behavior with treats and praise, as this will make them more likely to repeat that same behavior. 

Overall, it is important to stay consistent when it comes to training your puppy to not bite. This involves using positive reinforcement and a firm but gentle correction when needed. Providing praise and rewards for good behaviors, as well as correcting and redirecting their attention when they start to bite, can go a long way in encouraging them to grow up with better behavior. With patience, time, and consistency, your puppy will start to understand that biting is not acceptable and can instead focus on positive behaviors.