How to Train Puppies Not to Bite & Bark

Puppies are naturally rambunctious and curious animals. One way that a puppy will learn how to interact with other dogs and humans is through biting, nipping and barking. These forms of interaction can quickly turn from endearing to harmful if a puppy is not properly trained. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year. Teaching a puppy not to bite or bark early will help ensure that it does not cause harm to any humans in the future.

Things You'll Need

  • 12-oz. soda can
  • 8 to 10 pennies or uncooked beans
  • Masking tape
  • Puppy toy
  • Plastic squirt bottle
  • Water
  • Television
  • Radio
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Instructions

  1. Prevent Biting

    • 1

      Avoid playing aggressive games with the puppy, such as tug of war. These games encourage rough play, which could lead to unwanted biting.

    • 2

      Make a high pitched “yelping” sound each time the puppy bites or nibbles you. This sound is intended to mimic the one made by the puppy's litter-mates when the play time becomes too rough.

    • 3

      Clean the contents out of a 12-ounce soda can. Place eight to 10 pennies or uncooked beans into the can and cover the opening with a piece of masking tape. Shake the can each time the puppy bites or nips you or any member of the family or guests. The puppy will begin to associate biting with this startling unwanted consequence.

    • 4

      Praise your puppy and offer it a treat each time he avoids biting after using the above deterrents. The puppy will begin to associate this positive response with appropriate behavior.

    Prevent Barking

    • 5

      Offer the puppy a toy. Many times a puppy will bark because it is bored, and a toy will offer the puppy a distraction.

    • 6

      Play a high-energy game with the puppy, such as fetch. The puppy will not have the energy to bark once its resources have been exhausted. Most behavior problems in dogs are caused by the frustration engendered by inadequate exercise.

    • 7

      Avoid giving the dog negative attention in response to the barking. Yelling or scolding the dog for barking is still attention, and the puppy will begin to associate receiving this attention when it barks. Yelling could also cause the puppy to be riddled with anxiety, which could bring about more unwanted barking.

    • 8

      Fill a plastic squirt bottle with water. Each time the puppy barks, squirt the water near its head or at its back. The puppy will not enjoy this consequence and will stop barking. Avoid squirting the water directly into the puppy's face as this could elicit an aggressive response.

    • 9

      Leave a television or radio on if the puppy barks when left alone at home. This noise will help soothe the puppy and trick it into believing a human is still at home.