How to Train Your Puppy to Stop Biting You and Others

Whenever puppies play, they tend to get overexcited. One of the things they start doing when they get excited or want to play with you is “play biting.” Of course, it’s normal and innocent enough if it wasn’t for the teeny-tiny razors in their mouth called teeth. These tiny teeth are primarily harmless, but they can get old fast after a few play bites. Of course, it’s essential to know that this is normal. It’s even something you can train away. You just need to follow a few simple steps.

This article will give you all the tips and tricks you need to play with your pup without having to break any skin.

Here’s what you need to know:

Teach Them Bite Inhibition

Bite inhibition is when your puppy learns to control its biting force. You need to teach them to play gently. You do this by doing the opposite of what you do when you don’t like your puppy biting you. When you dislike how your puppy is biting you, you will say “ouch” and frown and push them off.

When your puppy bites too hard, you need to say “ouch” in a playful tone. If they stop biting you and look at you, you can pet them and give them a treat. If you are consistent about this technique, your puppy will learn to stop biting you soon enough.

Provide Them with a Good Chew Toy

You need to teach your puppy to use their teeth on chew toys instead of your hands. Supplying your puppy with many chew toys can go a long way. They will learn that they are only allowed to bark at chew toys. You could even attach a squeaker to the chew toy to give them something to try to bite. This is an excellent way to train your puppy and keep your hands safe.

Distract Them with Something Else

When your puppy starts to bite, it’s very important to distract them with something else. You can distract them with a squeaky toy or something similar. If you have a strong prey drive dog, you might have to give them a toy that you can hold and move around.

When you have to be away from your puppy and don’t want them to chew things up while you are gone, it’s a good idea to train them to be distracted by a toy. The best thing to do is give them a toy that you will hold and move around whenever you want them to be distracted.

Practice Patience

Your puppy will take longer than you to learn how to play and stop biting you. You will need to learn to be patient with your puppy and allow them time to learn. This can be hard if you are used to playing with others. If you have a play biting puppy, you’ll have to practice patience.

Make sure you find time to practice training with your puppy. Your puppy will get there, and you will have to bite in the meantime.

The Bottom Line

Your puppy will not stop biting you overnight. It will take time for them to learn bite inhibition and that biting is unacceptable. It will take time to teach them to use their teeth on chew toys instead of your hands, and it will take time to learn patience. It won’t be easy, but it will all be worth it in the end.
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