How to Make a Puppy Quit Nipping & Jumping

Puppy training is most effective when you start as soon as you bring your new pet into your home. The key is to be consistent with discipline by using the same methods over and over until the lesson is effectively learned. Everybody in the house needs to know the rules and participate to achieve the best result. If you are patient and diligent, you are sure to have the most well-mannered dog on the block.

Things You'll Need

  • Chew toys
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Instructions

    • 1

      Refuse to play tug of war with your puppy until you have effectively broken her of biting and nipping at you. This game inadvertently encourages her to bite around your hand, and teaches her that you are on the same level as her and she won't respect you as her master.

    • 2

      Stop playing immediately with your puppy when she does nip at you, say "No," firmly without yelling and then turn your back on her. Dogs communicate through body language and it is most effective to teach them in a way that they understand. Your puppy will learn quickly when the fun time stops.

    • 3

      Provide an abundance of appropriate chew toys for the puppy. They have a natural instinct to chew and bite, so give her plenty of alternatives to choose from rather than your hand. The goal is to teach boundaries and rules through play.

    • 4

      Keep your arms closed or down when the puppy jumps up on you. Puppies jump around because they are excited and want your attention. When they do this, put your hands out so that when she jumps you are blocking her off, and say "No." It might seem cruel the first few times if she bangs into your hands hard, but this is body language that she understands.