How to Train Staffy Puppies to Stop Biting

Staffordshire bull terriers are a smart, curious and stubborn breed that needs to be well trained and socialized. "Staffies" are compact, muscular, smooth-coated dogs that come in a variety of colors. Males, which are typically larger than females, can grow as high as 16 inches tall and weigh as much as 40 pounds. As puppies, they, like all breeds, like and need to chew and bite. If left unchecked, this behavior can lead to problems as your dog gets older. It is in the dog's best interest, and yours, to get their biting under control as soon as possible.

Things You'll Need

  • Chew toys
  • Dog treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use your puppy's natural reactions to help train him not to bite. When puppies play, if one is bitten too hard the hurt puppy will let out a high-pitched yelp and walk away from the biter. This disrupts the biter's behavior and sends the message that he is biting too hard. This action is repeated every time a painful bite occurs.

    • 2

      Make a loud high-pitched yelping sound when your puppy bites you. Reward your puppy if he stops. If he bites again yelp louder and move away from your puppy. If possible, go somewhere your puppy can't follow. After a minute or two, return to your puppy. Repeat as often as necessary. Your staffy wants your attention and will soon learn that biting causes that attention to be focused elsewhere. Eventually your puppy will learn that a hard bite is unacceptable and he will stop.

    • 3

      Give your puppy rawhide bones and other chew toys so that he has a safe and acceptable outlet for his natural chewing and biting instincts.

    • 4

      Teach your puppy the "leave it" or "off" command as a backup to the yelp technique. Give your puppy a treat every time he responds correctly to the command.