How to Get My Bichon Puppy to Stop Chewing on Us

Most puppies bite and chew when they are playing, in a teething phase or if they want attention. The key is to stop this behavior as soon as possible. If your Bichon has a biting problem as a puppy, you do not want this behavior to remain through adulthood. As soon as your puppy begins this habit, be consistent and remain patient, as they need time to learn what polite behavior is and what is not acceptable.

Things You'll Need

  • Bitter dog spray
  • Chew toys
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Instructions

    • 1

      Divert your puppy's attention to a chew toy or a bone when it begins to bite you. Give it a toy. It is not considered a reward -- it is a distraction.

    • 2

      Tell the puppy "No" every time it bites you, and gently push your Bichon away from you and walk away. Ignore your Bichon for a few minutes to show you do not like that behavior. The puppy will then begin to associate the word "No" with misbehavior.

    • 3

      Yelp or squeal whenever the puppy bites you. A loud noise will distract and confuse your Bichon, and the puppy will hesitate repeating the behavior. When puppies play, they often let out a yelp when they are hurt, and the other puppy will usually back off.

    • 4

      Apply a bitter dog spray, such as Bitter Apple or Fooey, to the back of your hands. The spray will not harm your Bichon, but the sour taste will likely deter it from biting your yucky-tasting hands again. The spray also can be used as a deterrent to keep your puppy from chewing on items such as it collar, leash or furniture.