Instructions
Choose a one- or two-word correction to say when the puppy bites. Say a command like "no bite" or "stop" every time you correct your puppy. You can also make a "yelping" sound as another puppy would, indicating that you are hurt. As soon as the puppy stops, praise it. Praise is just as important as correction in shaping or modifying behavior. You must repeat this process frequently.
Spray the puppy with a water gun or squirt bottle when it bites. Use plain tap water, and spray directly in the puppy's face accompanied with your verbal command. Praise the puppy when it stops biting, and respray as needed when biting continues. However, keep in mind that certain water breeds like Labradors and Golden retrievers do not see this as punishment.
Startle the puppy with a noisemaker when it bites. Interrupting the bad behavior with a loud sound, accompanied with the verbal command, is quite effective. Constrict a noisemaker from a plastic beverage bottle filled with rocks or pennies, which make a startling sound when shaken. Never use this device to strike the puppy.
Redirect biting behavior to an acceptable alternative. Puppies have the need to bite, so give them something they are allowed to chew on. Many sturdy chew toys and doggy bones are designed for puppies. Never give puppies bones from the dinner table, as many varieties can splinter and harm them.
Apply a bad-tasting product like hot sauce or bitter apple-flavored spray to hands and other items the puppy is not allowed to chew on. These products are useful only when first applied, so frequent reapplication is necessary. Use care when applying spray to certain items, as some products stain fabrics.
Exercise the puppy. A bored puppy finds things to do, and often that means getting into trouble. Play fetch, go for a walk, play "hide-n-seek" around the house and encourage the puppy in positive activities.
Participate in obedience training with the puppy. Basic manners go a long way toward correcting negative behaviors. By establishing expectations and setting ground rules early, the puppy can successfully overcome many hurdles associated with growing into a well-behaved dog.
How to Get My Nine Week Old Puppy to Stop Biting
Puppies engage in many play behaviors which we humans consider "bad." One of the most common is biting or mouthing. Although these behaviors are troublesome, they are a natural way for puppies to practice skills, get exercise, play and relieve the discomfort of teething. Nine-week-old puppies are just beginning to prepare to lose their first set of teeth. Puppies that age will usually outgrow many seemingly negative behaviors like biting, but a few techniques can speed up the process.