It can be difficult to differentiate normal, though overly enthusiastic, play biting from inappropriate behavior. The Difference Between Play & Aggressive Biting Your veterinarian may refer you to an animal behaviorist, a vet who has received additional training and board certification in treating a multitude of disorders (ACVB), or a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT) once physical disease is ruled out. A dog that begins to bite that has not done so before may be…Ī visit to a vet, along with a video and diary of when the behavior occurs, whether skin is broken, and whether any changes to the pet’s environment have occurred, are critical to obtaining a resolution. It’s important to differentiate this conduct from normal play, as the actions taken to correct your dog will depend greatly on why they are biting. Many times, we must train the humans as much as we must train our dogs! Determining Why Your Puppy or Dog is Biting Dogs get the message that it’s time to play “chase” when kids run away or nibble on small moving digits if given the opportunity. Teach fast-moving children not to run or wave their fingers and toes in front of dogs. Redirect them to a toy or let out a “yip”. If your dog is an “ankle-biter”, stop moving when your dog nips at your legs. Return and interact quietly and lovingly after several minutes of calm and reward them for not biting with treats or a more appropriate play toy.ĭeterrents – In some cases, a bitter spray deterrent or white stick deodorant can be applied to objects you want to be spared from mouthing. You can also confine them to a puppy safe space. Always supervise your dog from a distance. Removing yourself from the situation when your pup is nipping is punishment enough for our faithful companions! Give them a “time out” by tethering them with their leash to a piece of furniture for a minute or two and walking away. Time Outs – Most puppies are looking for your attention, above all else. Tug rope toys are another great object for dogs to mouth and tug of war that doesn’t involve direct contact with your hand. Toys – Redirect their attention to a more appropriate toy such as a nylabone or kong teether. Likewise, you can train your puppy to stop playful mouthing or nipping by letting out a “yip” and letting your hand go limp to stop the biting. Yipping Back – A bite that’s too hard will elicit a high-pitched “yelp” from the other dog which usually stops biting behavior. Puppy playdates and contact with healthy, vaccinated dogs are socialization musts and teach bite inhibition organically. Socialization – Most puppies learn the difference between a playful nip and a painful bite when they are exposed to littermates or other dogs. Teething occurs around 4-6 months of age, and it’s normal to see mouthing behavior increase.Mouthing/teething is an integral part of growing up for pups they investigate their world with their mouths and use those teeth for playing and chewing.One of the most unwelcome surprises of puppy ownership is the pain those tiny little chompers, all 28 of them, can inflict on a hand or foot.
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