Welcoming a puppy into your family is indeed a wholesome experience. However, living with a puppy is not always about cuddles and playtime as the tiny furballs tend to develop a habit of biting whatever comes their way. Though the phenomenon looks normal, it shouldn’t be neglected and nipped in the bud. If you are new to dog parenthood and struggling to curb your pooch’s habit of biting and chewing, don’t worry as we’re here to help.
In this blog, we will look at some tried and tested strategies to train puppies to stop biting and help ensure a comfortable living experience for both you and your pet. Read on to find out more.
How to Train a Puppy to Stop Biting?
Below are some effective ways you can try to discourage your puppy from biting.
- Offering Chew Toys
There is nothing wrong with your puppy biting, as long as it is biting and chewing appropriate objects. You may consider offering chew toys to your pooch, which will help redirect their biting behaviour. Opt for teething toys made of soft, pet-friendly materials that won’t hurt their teeth. Also, supervise your puppy while it is playing with the toys to ensure it doesn’t bite off and swallow small pieces.
- Using Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is an effective technique to stop a pup from biting. You can verbally ask them not to bite if you find them biting inappropriate objects. Also, praising and rewarding them for good behaviour helps them learn what is expected of them and results in the control of unwanted behaviour.
- Using Time-Outs
Biting in the middle of playtime should end up in an immediate “game over”. If your pup tends to bite hard while playing, end the interaction and leave the place for a brief period of time. This helps convey the message to your pooch that biting results in the loss of playtime, which is not fun. Always remember that stepping away from your furball can have a better effect than yelling.
- Making them Exercise
According to experts, puppies should be made to do regular exercise along with daily walks or playtime. It helps in physical stimulation and helps curb problematic behaviours like biting and chewing.
- Providing Mental Stimulation
Similar to exercise, mental stimulation helps calm your pup and discourages biting. Pet-specific puzzles and treat dispensers help mentally stimulate your pooch to a great extent.
- Enrolling them in Puppy Socialisation Classes
Attending socialisation classes is an important part of your furry baby’s training. The classes help your pup learn bite inhibition, how to read other canines’ body language,how to interact with other puppies, etc. The classes also help your pet understand what appropriate behaviour is and what is not acceptable.
- Refraining from Harsh Verbal or Physical Corrections
Aggressive modes of correction lead to fear and anxiety. Punishing your pet either suppresses unwanted behavior or results in its escalation as a mode of defence. Be it teaching your pup to stop biting or basic cues like ‘sit’ or ‘stay’, positive reinforcement works the best.
Concluding Note
Puppy biting is normal behavior, especially during their early years. It can be easily corrected with patience and perseverance. You won’t be able to eliminate the behavior overnight, so take one step at a time. Also, make sure that your entire family is on board, as it will be a wholesome experience for all of you to bond with the pup through positive reinforcement training.
