The Best Way to Stop a Puppy From Biting

It is natural for a puppy to bite while playing, but that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt when those sharp little teeth clamp down on your leg or arm. Because it is natural for puppies to bite, it is important that the puppy learns what is acceptable to bite, such as a chew toy, and what is not, such as your hand. They are very smart animals and can learn quickly. The key to any training for puppies is consistency.

Instructions

  1. Redirection

    • 1

      Communicate with your puppy. Tell your puppy "no" or "soft" if it starts to bite you while playing. Whatever you decide to use when telling your puppy to stop biting, be consistent so it knows what you are saying. Make sure your family members, friends or roommates use the same instructions.

    • 2

      Give your puppy a chew toy or other acceptable object to bite. This lets your puppy know that it is OK to bite, but it is not OK to bite people.

    • 3

      Praise your puppy when it begins biting an acceptable object. This will confirm that your puppy is doing something good.

    "Yelp"

    • 4

      Let out a sharp "yelp" or "ouch" when your puppy bites you and then walk away. When your puppy is playing with other dogs, it will bite until the other dog is hurt. Puppies let each other know they have been hurt by letting out a yelp.

    • 5

      Ignore your puppy for a few minutes. This will let your puppy know that what it did was wrong and is not acceptable. Your puppy wants to play and wants you to love it, so if you ignore your puppy for a few minutes, it will slowly learn to not bite you.

    • 6

      Start playing with your puppy again without scolding or disciplining for the previous bite. By this time, your puppy is too excited because you are playing again and won't remember why you were upset with it.