How to Stop a Puppy From Biting Other Dogs

An aggressive puppy is usually a sign that the dog has not been socialized enough. Dogs must be taught at a young age that such behavior is unacceptable. It is helpful to understand why your puppy bites other dogs. A puppy may bite out of fear or nervousness, in a bid to exert dominance or to protect its territory. Pups learn how to interact with other animals and humans by about 16 to 17 weeks of age, so it is important to try to remedy biting as soon as possible to avoid it becoming ingrained in the dog's personality.

Things You'll Need

  • Chew toy
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Instructions

    • 1

      Do not reward a puppy that displays aggressive behavior. Do not reward barking with soothing platitudes. If you have allowed the puppy to chew on you in the past, stop immediately. It is important that the puppy knows that this is bad behavior. Make wounded noises when the puppy chews on you and then replace your hand with a chew toy. When the puppy chews on the chew toy instead, praise it for doing so.

    • 2
      Bring a puppy's attention away from the focus of its aggression.

      Distract a puppy that is nipping at other dogs by clapping your hands or squeaking a toy. Do not say "good boy" while doing this---that may teach the puppy that you are rewarding the biting of other dogs. Instead, try to get the puppy's attention with toys or games. If you can stop the puppy nipping before it becomes a habit, you can curb the bad behavior.

    • 3

      Use a firm voice to chastise the puppy if distraction or rewarding the puppy does not stop it biting. Firmly and loudly say "no" when it bites other dogs; whining or pleading with the puppy shows it that you are not in control. Do not hit the dog or slap it on the nose. This may cause greater aggression, as it can confuse the dog. Make sure to reward the dog with praise and treats when it is behaving well.

    • 4

      If the puppy is hurting other dogs or is in danger of being hurt when you are retraining it, separate it from other dogs. When walking the puppy, walk it alone and keep the leash tightened. Allow the puppy to inspect and sniff other dogs if it is not showing any aggression but remove the puppy at once if it or the other dog becomes aggressive. When you are confident that the puppy has stopped being aggressive toward other dogs, you may reintroduce it to other dogs.

    • 5

      Consider castration if the aggression and biting does not abate. This will reduce territorial aggression in the puppy. Castration should be a last resort when training a puppy. Before you do so, you should ask a vet to check for any illnesses that may increase aggression levels.