What Should I Do When My Pit Bull Puppy Keeps Biting at My Feet When We Walk?

Due to their use in illegal dog fights, pit bulls developed a reputation for aggression. However, this dog breed is no more aggressive than other dogs, it is simply stronger. Pit bulls are eager to please and have a lot of energy because they are terriers. Protective of their people, pit bulls are loyal but require training. When a pit bull puppy displays negative behavior, such as biting, it must be corrected.

  1. Correction

    • Puppies often bite and nip because they learn about the world by using their mouths. When a puppy nips at a person's heels they are probably trying to learn about your feet. Puppies do not understand that their small, sharp teeth can hurt people and other animals. To teach your puppy biting hurts, make an injured noise when bit. Pit bulls have strong jaws and can accidentally injure people easily if not trained early.

    Dominance

    • One reason pit bulls and other dogs nip at people's feet or bite is because they believe they are the dominant member of the family or pack. In order to show your dog that you are the dominant member of the pack, assert your dominance at all times. Heel your dog when walking it; enter doors before your dog. Dogs must earn affection and treats by performing a task or a trick first.

    Exercise

    • Pit bulls are a working breed of dog; they are bred to expend lots of energy herding bulls and dodging bulls legs to avoid injury. A pit bull requires large amounts of exercise in order to avoid destructive behavior, especially energetic puppies. A daily walk is required when raising pit bull puppies; more than one walk or a jog is sometimes needed. Pit bull puppies whose extra energy is burned off are less likely to bite.

    Prevention

    • Biting and nipping at peoples' heels is a behavior pit bull puppies often display when they are overly excited. To avoid exciting a pit bull puppy, keep your own voice and demeanor calm. Dogs pick up on the energy of the people around them; an excited person will create an excited dog. If a pit bull puppy is too excited, remove it from the room before it acts out or bites to calm it down.