How Do I Get My Chocolate Lab to Stop Biting?

Chocolate labs, part of the Labrador retriever breed, come from working dogs bred in Newfoundland to hunt and retrieve game. Although any dog breed may exhibit mouthiness, play biting and a tendency to use their mouth to explore, Labradors' breeding increases their tendency to hold things in their mouths. Larger dogs, such as the 55 to 75 pound Labrador retriever, present a real danger of doing damage even without intending to hurt the person.

Things You'll Need

  • Collar
  • Leash
  • Head collar (optional)
  • Chew toys and bones
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Instructions

    • 1

      Contact your veterinarian for a check-up and referral to behaviorist if your dog bites in aggressive ways or inflicts bites that break or puncture the skin. Follow the personalized evaluation and training of a behaviorist to help stop aggressive biting, whether due to temperament, pain response, medical conditions or other serious issues.

    • 2

      Instruct all family members and friends to avoid any games or playing that involve or incite the dog to use its teeth or play bite. Avoid tug games until all biting ceases.

    • 3

      Eliminate reinforcements for biting by giving a loud yelping noise then ignoring the dog. Stop play and all contact to teach the dog that putting its teeth on a person results in no attention or play.

    • 4

      Teach your dog a command to close its mouth. Tell the dog to sit, hold the dog's collar in one hand, use your other hand to hold its mouth gently shut for 10 to 15 seconds and say "close mouth" in a high happy tone. For dogs that resist training, consider using a head halter designed to close the mouth, the Animal Humane Society suggests. Repeat the exercise 5 to 8 times each day for a week until the dog no longer needs the collar held and shows no resistance.

    • 5

      Use the "close mouth" command when the dog appears ready to bite or put its mouth on a person. Praise by saying "good close." Keep a leash on the dog to control or put into down position if it ignores the command.

    • 6

      Attend obedience classes, if possible, and do obedience lessons at home for 10 to 15 minutes twice a day. Continue obedience training to help control of your dog and make following your commands in all situations, including biting, part of the dog's routine.

    • 7

      Play fetch with your dog to use its natural retrieving instincts to provide appropriate exercise and an outlet for using its mouth. Provide safe chew bones and toys that give the dog an outlet for chewing.