How to Train a 5-Month-Old Puppy Not to Bite the Furniture or People

A puppy uses its mouth to explore its environment. When teething, a puppy is prone to chewing and biting on anything within reach. Because a puppy is usually removed from its litter prior to the age of five months, you must take over the training it would normally receive from its mother and siblings. One of the most important ways a puppy learns to curb unacceptable behaviors is through socialization with other dogs. It's much better to begin this process well before the age of five months because the larger and older the puppy, the more difficult the issues become.

Things You'll Need

  • Bitter apple spray (optional)
  • Chew toy or bone
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Instructions

    • 1

      Allow your puppy to socialize with other dogs. Take it to a dog park, visit with friends who have dogs or get another puppy. Through socialization, it learns about acceptable behaviors. If your puppy nips or bites another pup it learns the consequences when playtime comes to a halt.

    • 2

      Use a deterrent to prevent chewing and biting on furniture. Dogs dislike the taste of bitter apple. You can purchase it in a spray or make your own. Use it on furniture and any items you want your pup to learn to avoid. When the pup learns to leave the furniture alone because it leads to an unpleasant taste, you can gradually stop using the bitter apple.

    • 3

      Give your puppy plenty of opportunity to expend its energy in exercise. Biting and chewing can be excessive when boredom is involved; the best way to prevent boredom is by making sure your puppy gets plenty of exercise and isn't left alone for long periods.

    • 4

      Teach your puppy what it's allowed to chew and bite. Say "no" very firmly whenever it tries to bite your fingers, and place a toy or chew bone in its mouth. Always repeat this whenever unacceptable biting occurs. The puppy will get the idea after some practice.

    • 5

      Keep your puppy under close watch while teaching it not to bite or chew on household belongings. It's only through repeated, consistent training that the puppy learns what's expected of it. Remember to be the leader (the "alpha"). In this way, the puppy will learn to follow your directives.