How to Stop Your Puppy from Biting - The Guide
As a new puppy owner, it's natural to want to shower your furry friend with love and affection. However, when your little bundle of joy starts nipping and biting at everything in sight, it can quickly become frustrating and even painful. Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and while it's a completely normal behaviour, it's important to understand how to stop your puppy from biting and how to teach them what's appropriate to chew on and what's off-limits.
Why do puppies chew things?
Understanding why your puppy is chewing on things is the first step to addressing their biting behaviour. With patience and consistency, you can train your puppy to redirect their chewing to appropriate chew toys and discourage destructive chewing.
Here are a few reasons why puppies tend to bite and chew:
1. Exploration
Puppies use their mouths to explore the world around them, and chewing is a natural part of this process. Chewing helps them learn about their surroundings, but it's essential to redirect this behaviour to appropriate chew toys and discourage destructive chewing. Providing your puppy with a variety of safe and durable chew toys can help satisfy their natural urge to chew.
2. Teething
Just like human babies, puppies go through a teething stage. Puppies get their baby teeth as early as 2 weeks old, and they should fall out once your puppy is 6 months old. When your puppy's adult teeth start to come through, this can cause then discomfort and pain. During this time, their gums become sore and swollen, and chewing can provide relief and comfort. Providing appropriate chew toys for your pup can help ease their discomfort and prevent destructive chewing. Frozen washcloths or soft rubber toys can be especially helpful during this time.
3. Boredom
Puppies have lots of energy and need plenty of physical and mental stimulation. If your puppy is not getting enough exercise or playtime, they may resort to problematic behaviours, such as destructive chewing or barking excessively as a way to entertain themselves. Make sure to provide plenty of playtime, exercise and training for your furry friend. Interactive toys, such as puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys, can also help keep your puppy mentally stimulated and prevent boredom.
4. Anxiety or stress
Puppies may chew on things as a way to cope with anxiety or stress. Separation anxiety, fear of loud noises, or changes in their routine can all cause stress and lead to destructive chewing behaviour. If you suspect your puppy is chewing due to anxiety or stress, it's important to identify the underlying cause and address it appropriately. According to Blue Cross, some other signs of stress are yawning, panting, pacing and loss of appetite. Providing a safe and secure environment and gradually exposing your puppy to new experiences can all help reduce anxiety.
Ways to stop your puppy from biting
It's important to know how to stop your puppy biting. This behaviour is natural for puppies, but it's essential to correct it early on to avoid any problems down the line. Here are some effective ways to stop your puppy from biting.
1. Reinforce desired behaviours
Positive reinforcement is the most effective way to teach your puppy. Whenever your puppy plays or interacts with you without biting, reward them with praise and low-fat treats that are safe for puppies. This is the best option to prevent yourself from overfeeding your puppy. Rewarding your puppy with praise and treats will reinforce good behaviour and encourage your puppy to continue playing without biting.
2. Give an alternative item to chew on
When your puppy does bite, redirect their attention to a teething toy. Praise them when they start chewing the toy instead of biting you. When picking a toy, first think of the quality and size of the toy and make a selection on which is the most suitable toy for your puppy at their age. Over time, your puppy will learn that chew toys are the appropriate items to bite, not people.
3. Avoid rough play
Rough play can encourage your puppy to bite and be aggressive. To stop your puppy biting, use toys and interactive games that don't involve biting. Encourage your puppy to play with toys rather than your hands or clothing.
4. Use a firm 'no'
If your puppy continues to bite despite your attempts to redirect them, VCA recommends correcting the undesirable behaviour during the act with a verbal 'no' or 'off' command or a sharp noise to stop and distract your puppy. "Punishment is not a good method to correct misbehaviour". Avoid yelling or hitting your puppy, as this can cause fear and anxiety, which can lead to more biting.
5. Introduce a 'time-out' concept in response to biting
This involves immediately stopping playtime or any interaction with your pup as soon as they bite. Say 'ouch' in a loud voice to indicate that the bite was too hard. If your puppy still doesn't understand that 'ouch' means playtime is over, introduce the time-out concept. Calmly walk away from your puppy for a short period of time. This teaches them and reinforces that biting leads to the end of playtime. Your puppy will soon learn that biting is not an acceptable behaviour.
6. Enroll them in a puppy class if required
Puppy classes are a great way to socialise your puppy and teach them important obedience skills. In these classes, puppies learn how to interact with other dogs and people in a controlled environment. Your puppy will receive guidance from a professional dog trainer, which can be particularly helpful if you're a first-time dog owner and aren't sure where to start.
Remember, stopping your puppy from biting takes time and patience. Consistency is key, and you should work on it every day. Encourage good behaviour and redirect any negative behaviour to teach your puppy that biting is not acceptable. With time and patience, your puppy will learn bite inhibition and become a well-behaved and happy dog.
Do's and don'ts of training your puppy not to bite
Teaching your puppy to stop biting is crucial in creating a happy and healthy relationship between you and your pup. With the right training and approach, you can effectively teach your puppy not to bite in a safe and loving way. To help you achieve this goal, we've compiled a list of essential do's and don'ts that every dog owner should keep in mind. By following these tips, you can make the training process enjoyable and beneficial for both you and your puppy.
Do's
1. Reward your puppy when they display good behaviour: Give your puppy treats or verbal praise when they exhibit good behaviours, such as playing with you instead of biting.
2. Be consistent: Consistency is always key. Everyone in your household should use the same techniques to avoid confusing your puppy.
3. Socialise your puppy: Socialisation is important to help your puppy learn proper behaviours around other people and dogs.
Don'ts
1. Physical punishment: Never hit, kick or physically punish your puppy when they bite. This can be harmful and create fear and anxiety in your puppy.
2. Use negative reinforcement: Avoid shouting, scolding or using a harsh tone with your puppy when they bite. This can create fear and confusion, making it more difficult to train them not to bite.
3. Encourage rough play: Avoid playing games with your puppy that involve rough play, such as tug-of-war, as this can encourage biting and aggressive behaviour.
Teaching your puppy bite inhibition
Bite inhibition refers to a dog's ability to control the force of its bite. It's an important skill for dogs to learn because it helps them communicate effectively without causing harm. As a dog owner, it's crucial for you to teach your puppy good bite inhibition. This is because puppies naturally explore the world with their mouths, including biting and mouthing people and objects. Through proper training and socialisation, your puppy can learn to develop good bite inhibition, which will help them become a well-adjusted adult dog.
What should my puppy be chewing on?
Giving your puppy appropriate toys and treats can help redirect their destructive chewing behavior to more acceptable outlets. Choosing the right toy or treat is essential in this process.
1. Chews
If you're struggling with a puppy who loves to chew on everything in sight, a long-lasting chew can be a game-changer. Not only do they provide a safe outlet for your pup's chewing needs, but they can also help prevent destructive chewing on furniture and other valuable items in your home.
According to Christine Arhant, results from her study showed that 94% of participants gave edible chews on average four to six times a week to their dog.
Skipper's chews are an excellent chew option for your puppy. They're healthy, single-ingredient and low in fat which will not only help prevent destructive chewing but will be beneficial to your dog's overall health.
2. Kongs
Kongs are a great option to help with destructive chewing in puppies. They are made of durable rubber and come in different shapes and sizes to cater to all dog sizes. You can stuff them with a variety of treats, especially high-value rewarding treats such as Dried Sprats. Other popular food options are natural yoghurts, peanut butter or a few pieces of dog food kibble.
According to Christine Arhant's study, 73% of participants were provided with chew toys filled with food one to three times a month.
Kongs can help distract your puppy from chewing on your furniture, shoes, or other inappropriate items. Not only that, they're easy to clean, which makes them a convenient option for busy dog owners.
By providing your puppy with a Kong, you can satisfy their chewing needs while also keeping your belongings safe. Plus, it's a fun way for your puppy to play and learn problem-solving skills.
3. Activity balls
Activity balls can be an effective tool in curbing destructive chewing behaviours in puppies. These specially designed balls can keep your puppy engaged for hours and help prevent them from turning to your furniture or belongings for stimulation.
By providing physical and mental stimulation, activity balls can help reduce your puppy's stress levels, which can be a common trigger for destructive chewing. With a range of textures and shapes, activity balls can also help soothe teething pains while satisfying your puppy's natural urge to chew. The added benefit of activity balls is that they can improve your puppy's motor skills, coordination, and overall fitness. Overall, activity balls are a fun and effective way to redirect your puppy's destructive chewing behaviour and promote their physical and mental well-being.
4. Safe toys
Safe toys are a great solution to help your puppy with their destructive chewing habit. Not only do they satisfy their natural urge to chew, but they also provide mental stimulation and playtime.
Safe toys like rubber toys, ropes, and balls are designed to withstand the toughest chewing and biting from puppies. Unlike other household items that they might destroy, safe toys are durable and can last for a long time, which can save you money in the long run. Plus, safe toys come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colours, providing your puppy with endless entertainment. With the right safe toy, you can finally stop worrying about your puppy chewing on your furniture or shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age do puppies stop biting?
Generally, puppies begin to lose their baby teeth and gain their adult teeth between three to six months of age. During this teething process, your puppy may chew and bite more than usual to alleviate any discomfort they may be experiencing. It's important to provide your puppy with safe and appropriate chew toys to redirect their biting behaviour.
As your puppy grows and matures, they should gradually learn bite inhibition and control their biting behaviour. However, it's important to note that every puppy is different and may stop biting at different times. Consistent training, positive reinforcement, and patience are key to helping your puppy learn appropriate behaviour.
If you have concerns about your puppy's biting behaviour, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian or professional dog trainer for guidance.
How do you teach a puppy 'no'?
Timing is essential when teaching your puppy the meaning of 'no.' Use the command as soon as your puppy begins to engage in undesirable behaviour and redirect to something more positive.
By using consistent commands, timing, positive reinforcement, and patience, you can effectively teach your puppy the meaning of 'no' and reduce the chances of your puppy getting confused.
Why is my puppy biting so much?
Your puppy might be biting so much due to various reasons, such as teething, playfulness, or attention-seeking behaviour. However, if you notice a sudden increase in biting, it could be due to stress, fear, or frustration. It is essential to identify the underlying cause and address it accordingly to prevent the behaviour from worsening.
How do I stop my puppy from chewing on my hands and feet?
It's common for puppies to want to chew everything they can get their paws on, including your hands and feet. Here are some tips to help you stop your puppy from chewing on your hands and feet:
1. Offer a chew toy: Provide your puppy with a variety of safe chew toys to play with.
2. Train your puppy to 'leave it': Teach the 'leave it' command so that your puppy understands when you don't want them to chew on something.
3. Use positive reinforcements: Praise and reward your puppy when they choose to chew on a toy.
4. Be consistent: As always, be consistent and ensure everyone in the household is using the same commands and methods.
5. Avoid rough play: Rough play can encourage biting behaviour.
