How to Make Your Dog Stop Biting

If your dog nips or bites you, bite inhibition training may help curb its behavior. Mouthing, chewing and occasional biting all occur within the normal behavior of a puppy, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. If you don't address the biting behavior when the canine is a puppy, it could develop into an aggressive dog. Yet, with consistency and patience, your dog can learn to avoid using his teeth when interacting with humans.

Instructions

    • 1

      Interact with your dog gently by petting or rubbing its head and coat. Speak playfully to it to encourage interaction. Allow it to place its mouth on your hands in the course of your interaction. It's teeth will touch your skin, but it shouldn't apply any force. Don't wave your fingers or toes in front of a dog when interacting. These actions can encourage aggressiveness.

    • 2

      Let out a high-pitched yelping or squealing sound, much like a dog would, if your dog bites or nips you during your interaction. At the same time let your body part go limp. Don't try to pull away as this may encourage the dog to keep nipping or bitting. The noise will startle the dog and cause it to stop biting. If the noise isn't effective, say "Too bad!" or "Try again!" in a stern tone as you allow the offended body part to go limp.

    • 3

      Praise your dog for stopping the action. State "Good job!" or "Nice dog!" in a friendly tone. Resume playful interaction with your dog.

    • 4

      Reprimand your dog with a stern tone or let out a yelp to stop it from biting or nipping. Let your hand go limp and remove it to your lap. Avoid making sudden movements because it may encourage the dog to nip or bite.

    • 5

      Ignore your dog for 15 or 20 seconds, or get up and leave the room for the same amount of time to make an impression that you are displeased. Avert your eyes and don't speak to it or touch it.

    • 6

      Return to your dog and resume interaction. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 once more if needed. Increase the time out to 30 to 60 seconds to make more of an impression. Conclude bite inhibition training after three tries within a 15-minute period. Wait a few hours and try again.

    • 7

      Offer your dog a chew toy, in between training times, if it attempts to bite or nip at your ankles in an effort to play or receive attention. Praise it if it chews on the toy. Or, spray your clothing or skin with a safe taste deterrent spray to discourage biting or nipping. Your dog may find the taste unpleasant. Both of these actions can stop your dog from putting his mouth on you at all after a couple of weeks or so of consistent training.