How to Keep Your Puppy From Biting While Playing

Puppies, when playing with each other, use their mouths. So, the natural way to play with humans is to do the same. Some puppies may only mouth hands and feet during play -- or when teething -- but it's important to take care of the issue, before it becomes a problem. Start early, and do not deviate from the training techniques, to stop your puppy from biting while playing

Things You'll Need

  • Dog toys
  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Replace your finger or toe with a chew toy or bone, to turn your puppy's attention to gnawing something else. Praise the dog in a low-key manner to avoid producing excitement that may revert to more play biting.

    • 2

      Cry "ouch" and walk away from a biting puppy. Stop the behavior by not participating in it. The method is similar to that of the nursing mother when a puppy bites while feeding, she gets up and walks away leaving her puppy for a few minutes. Return to the puppy with a toy to play with.

    • 3

      Hold the puppy's mouth gently but firm enough to keep it from opening its mouth and tell it "no." Do not hurt the puppy or scream in anger. But be stern, so that the dog realizes the behavior is unacceptable.

    • 4

      Place gloves over your hands with a foul-tasting substance on them that is non-toxic. The biting puppy will quickly refrain from biting, due to the taste.

    • 5

      Place a pinch or choke collar over its neck, and give it a sharp tug when the puppy bites. This technique is used for more extreme cases of puppy biting. Do not hurt the pup, just tug enough to startle it.