How to Stop Puppies Who Constantly Bite

Puppies are usually a joy to have around the house. They provide a constant source of affection and companionship. Some puppies have an annoying habit of biting or nipping. Sometimes, the biting is simply a passing phase associated with the teething process. Other times, though, biting is a symptom of an underlying problem that must be addressed before it becomes worse.

Things You'll Need

  • Chew toys
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide your pup with plenty of safe chew toys. Often, puppies begin to bite because they are teething. This is painful for the puppy. Biting on something helps to relieve the pain associated with teething. If your pup has chew toys available, he'll be less likely to gnaw on your hand or ankle.

    • 2

      Yelp loudly in pain whenever your puppy bites you. This lets the pup know that she has hurt you and will help teach her that there are consequences to her actions, which leads to bite inhibition. If the pup continues, yelp louder and feign anger, growling at the puppy as if you were her mother. Then walk away from the puppy, ignoring her completely.

    • 3

      Grab the puppy by the scruff of the neck if he continues to bite you, even after you've scolded him and walked away. Shake him gently by the scruff of the neck and lower your voice to a threatening level. Let him know you are not pleased and that you refuse to accept this behavior. If necessary, roll the puppy onto his back and hold him down while you tell him "No" in your threatening tone. Hold him on his back until he submits and goes limp. This imitates the method by which the mother dog would punish a biting puppy.

    • 4

      Repeat these actions every time the puppy bites. You can even roll the puppy onto his back, hold him down and scold him whenever he attempts to assert his dominance or refuses to listen to you. This lets the young pup know who is the boss. If the puppy recognizes your authority, he will be much less likely to bite you.