How to Control Puppy Biting

Biting is a normal form of communication and play among puppies. While it may be acceptable for a puppy to bite while playing with its littermates and mother, it should not be OK for them to bite humans. Teaching bite inhibition and controlling puppy biting should be addressed as soon as a puppy is separated from the litter to prevent the puppy from biting people.

Instructions

    • 1

      Avoid playing tug-of-war or other rough games that may encourage the puppy to bite. These types of games give the puppy the impression that it must use its mouth to grab and compete with humans, which will only reinforce biting behavior.

    • 2

      Let the puppy know biting is not allowed. If a puppy puts its teeth on human skin, shout "Ouch" or "Yipe" to tell the puppy that type of behavior is not welcomed. In a puppy's litter, the littermates would make the same sort of noises if one were to bite it too hard.

    • 3

      Stop playing with the puppy and stop any interaction if the puppy nips or bites. Do not confuse the puppy with attention if it uses its teeth because it might reinforce the behavior rather than controlling it. Instead, stop the activity and wait at least 15 minutes before playing or interacting again.

    • 4

      Put something in the puppy's mouth if the puppy tries to bite. When a puppy is being mouthy and using its teeth, let it know that people are not meant to be bitten by giving it a chew toy instead.

    • 5

      Give the puppy praise when it stops trying to nip. If the puppy listens to commands and stops biting or takes the chew toy to nibble on instead, give the puppy positive praise. Petting the puppy and verbal praises when the puppy acts properly will help encourage it to stop biting.