How to Teach a Puppy to Stop Biting and Rebelling

When puppies get carried away and treat you like a chew-toy, there is a right way and a wrong way to let them know it hurts. Yelling, getting mad or slapping often turns it into a game and gets your puppy more excited. By consistently asserting yourself as the "pack leader," you can teach your puppy to stop biting and rebelling. The degree of play-biting you are willing to tolerate is a personal choice. Set boundaries. Get everyone in your home on board with consistent enforcement of biting etiquette.

Things You'll Need

  • Toys
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Instructions

    • 1

      Correct your puppy whenever it tries to nibble on you. Say "no biting," and quickly give it a toy to chew on instead. Praise your puppy and give it attention when it obeys.

    • 2

      Say loudly and sharply, "ouch, no biting" if your puppy drops the toy in favor of biting you. Withdraw all attention, fold your arms and look away from your puppy; give it the cold shoulder. When it stops trying to nip, give praise and attention.

    • 3

      Grip your puppy by the scruff of the neck and shake it gently, if it continues to try to bite, according to the American Kennel Club. Do not hurt your puppy, just show it you are in control. This discipline is similar to what a mother dog might do when a puppy bites too hard.

    • 4

      Reach down with both hands and force your puppy to lie down on the floor if your puppy continues to attack. Say "no biting" and roll your puppy on its side.

    • 5

      Keep one hand on the upper neck, right behind the ear, and the other hand on the hip. This forces your puppy into a helpless, submissive position.

    • 6
      Provide plenty of chew toys for teething puppies.

      Continue to hold until your puppy completely surrenders. When it no longer struggles to get up, release it. This exercise puts a rebellious or dominant puppy in the right state of mind for further obedience training.