How to Stop Your German Shepherd Puppy From Biting Your Son

A puppy's senses are developed one at a time. A puppy learns about the world by smell first, then by sight and finally their ears become in-tune with the world around them. Puppies begin to socialize and explore their surroundings with their mouths around four weeks old. This behavior is normal among all breeds and will continue into sexual maturation. However, this behavior can cause puppies to bite objects that are undesirable or unsafe. Mouthing, chewing and biting can be stopped easily if the behavior is consistently corrected and replaced with a new behavior.

Things You'll Need

  • Collar
  • Chew toy
  • Light-weight leash
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put the collar on the puppy with the leash attached. Let the puppy play with the leash trailing behind.

    • 2

      Watch the puppy carefully. As soon as she moves to bite the leash, command a firm "leave it" while leading the puppy away with the leash.

    • 3

      Immediately offer the puppy the chew toy. As soon as she shows any interest---even if she does not chew or lick it---praise her. Continue to praise her as she plays with and chews the toy.

    • 4

      Remind children who meet your puppy not to roughhouse or put their fingers in the puppy's mouth. Teach them to praise the dog if she licks them, but to perform steps one through three if she attempts to bite or chew.

    • 5

      Perform steps one through three every day for one week, before meals. Use meals as a reward after training. The puppy should learn quickly which behavior is desired and will slowly stop biting undesirable objects. While one week will not end the behavior forever, but the response after a week will be understood and obeyed more quickly. Continue training until the puppy has broken the unwanted behavior.