Stop Puppy Biting Now – Its Really Not That Hard
To stop puppy biting, there is one word you must use: No. This is the correct command to use for any kind of behavior correction in regard to your puppy. When your puppy tries to chew on your sneakers, say no. If your puppy has learned this word, a firm no will prevent them from biting, as well as jumping all over people when he or she ought not to.
Your puppy has to learn that “No” is a word which they MUST listen to and associate it with them doing something they shouldn’t. Anytime you see your puppy engaging in inappropriate behavior like chewing your shoes, a firm “No” should ensue. If this along does not stop your puppy, a tap under the chin and another “no” should be used.
If even this fails, stronger methods must be used to correct the behavior. Consider how pack animals (like dogs) interact with each other. Having no verbal means of communication, they deter by growling and posturing, along with bumping. They encourage good behavior with barks and by means of facial expressions. If an undesirable behavior is engaged in by a pack member and the usual methods of discouragement fail, then fighting is used as the last resort.
Puppies learn how to behave by watching the pack. Your puppy is no different, except that their “pack” consists of your family! You must step in and take the part of pack leader. Just as in the wild, if a member of the pack steps out of line, the pack leader will correct the behavior; so should you.
Stay calm, cool & composed. One thing that you must remember when trying to stop puppy biting and at all times is to NEVER show your anger when you are correcting your puppy. Always retain and maintain your composure. You are not trying to frighten your puppy. All you want to convey to him is, “Do not do that.” Remember that correction is not being used to terrorize your pet or to intimidate him. It is just a tool that is being used to ensure that his behavior is molded in a manner befitting to life amidst the human society.
Correct immediately. You must correct your puppy immediately. A puppy does not have much sense of recall. Hence if you correct him after a lapse of some time, he will just not be able to fathom what you are trying to tell him. In order to stop puppy biting, correction that is not done immediately will only confuse him and leave him feeling totally perplexed. Puppies bite by instinct. But this instinctive reaction left unchecked can turn into a very nasty habit. You must nip it in the bud. Your puppy must be made to realize that he must not bite humans. It will just not be tolerated. Correct him even when he gives you those playful little puppy bites.
The same principles of correction apply to other undesirable behaviors like jumping on people. While it may be cute to have a puppy jumping at you, this could become dangerous if left unchecked; just imagine a fully grown Great Dane thinking jumping is acceptable behavior! Say “No” and push your puppy gently away when they jump on you. If they listen and stop jumping, don’t forget to praise your puppy. This will reinforce the desirable behavior.
Knowing all the correct ways to train your puppy will make the entire process of training much easier on you and on your new family member. An e-book which many recommend for puppy training is SitStayFetch, by professional dog trainer Daniel Stevens. Mr. Stevens has managed to include all the “must knows” of puppy training in this 150 page easy to read e-book. Whether you need to stop problem behaviors or teach your puppy a trick, this e-book has you covered!
Filed under: Training