Monday, February 14, 2011

My Thoughts On Techniques To Train Your Biting Dog

By Beth Andrews


Puppies can seem really cute when they bite. The problem with this is that if a puppy is encouraged to bite it will become a dog that bites. An adult dog with a biting problem is very unappealing.

In the animal world if the puppy were kept with its mother and siblings it would usually learn that biting is not acceptable by about eight weeks of age. When a puppy bites other puppies or its mother it would be bitten back or disciplined and it would then learn not to bite. This doesn't always get to happen by the time the puppies are adopted or find homes.

In bringing a young puppy home, you find that it doesn't know not to nip. Quick action should be taken to curb this unwanted behavior.

In dealing with a biting puppy it is essential to remember that hitting is not an acceptable way to react, even if it hurts. Your puppy could become scared if hit and that can affect your relationship. A scared puppy can become an aggressive, anxious, or fearful dog.

To stop the biting behavior you will need to focus on good behaviors to reward. A bite should be discouraged, while desirable behavior should be rewarded with a pat, treat, or other positive action. Games that encourage the puppy to nip should be avoided. Until the puppy learns not to put his teeth where they do not belong, these types of play can wait.

If you are consistent while training the puppy not to bite it will be much more successful. If the puppy is allowed to get away with nipping sometimes and not others it can be hard for the puppy to learn not to nip. It is important that everyone is on board with teaching the puppy not to bite.

There are classes available for puppies that can not only focus on ending puppy biting, but also help in other areas as well. These classes can help socialize your puppy and teach him or her the correct way to behave around other dogs. It is important for your puppy to know what type of behavior is acceptable around other dogs.

Your puppy learning not to bite is the most important thing you can teach it. By about ten weeks of age the puppy should understand from you that it is not allowed to nip. A puppy that does not bite is more enjoyable to be around. This also sets the foundation for an enjoyable relationship together.




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