How to Make a Dog Stop Bitting

The best time to teach your dog not to bite is when she's a puppy. If you missed teaching this important lesson during puppy-hood, or acquired a dog when she was an adult, however, you can still teach your dog not to bite. Teaching your dog the principles of bite inhibition and establishing yourself as the alpha-dog in your dog's eyes are the best ways to get your dog to stop biting.

Instructions

    • 1

      Yell "Ouch!" or a similar loud sound or yelp to inform your dog that the bite hurt. This is how most dogs learn the principles of bite inhibition as puppies when wrestling amongst themselves.

    • 2

      Leave your dog alone or isolate him for a few minutes. Again, this mimics the treatment your dog would receive from his litter-mates as a puppy, and your dog will come to understand that too-hard bites equal the loss of a playmate.

    • 3

      Use consistent commands and make sure that your dog obeys each and every command before being rewarded with praise or treats if the biting is dominance-related. This will ensure that you remain the alpha-dog in your dog's eyes.

    • 4

      Set boundaries for your dog if her biting is dominance-related. Examples of appropriate boundaries include not allowing your dog to sleep in your bed and not allowing your dog in the kitchen while you're preparing food and serving dinner. Additionally, having your dog watch you eat first before feeding her further reinforces your dominance.

    • 5

      Do not punish your dog if he bites due to fear; this will only worsen the situation for you and your dog. Identify the object or person that triggers biting and gradually increase your dog's exposure to the trigger while offering praise and reassurance. Continue boosting your dog's confidence by exposing him to new objects, people and places.

    • 6

      Instruct people who are unfamiliar to your dog how to approach your dog so as not to startle or upset her. Even the most mild-mannered dog can bite a stranger, especially if startled.

      The person should allow your dog to approach and sniff him. He should also refrain from making any sudden movements. When reaching to pet your dog, he should avoid direct eye contact and should stroke your dog's chest or shoulder. A person should never reach over a dog's head, unless the dog and the person are well-acquainted.