How to Train an English Bulldog to Not Bite

An English bulldog can be a wonderful, wrinkly addition to any home and family. Unfortunately, once a dog is labeled a "biter," it can be seen as dangerous and many families choose to simply put the dog down instead of dealing with the issues that lead to the biting. English bulldogs can be trained and taught that biting is not an acceptable behavior so the dog can live a long and happy life with its new family.

Things You'll Need

  • Uncooked beans
  • Empty soda can
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Instructions

    • 1

      Don't take the puppy away from its mother too early. It is during the first few crucial weeks that a puppy learns proper social behavior from its mother and its other litter mates. Wait until the puppy is at least eight weeks old before purchasing or adopting it.

    • 2

      Socialize the puppy with other dogs and humans during the first few months of life. The dogs the bulldog puppy meets should be friendly and they should meet in a controlled environment, such as a dog park.

    • 3

      Avoid playing rough games with the bulldog, such as tug of war. These games encourage aggression in the dog and this can lead to biting.

    • 4

      Make a yelping sound if the dog bites you, even if it's just a nip. This sound mimics a noise that was made when puppies in the litter begin to play too rough. The bulldog will know to back off when it hears this familiar noise.

    • 5

      When the dog bites or attempts to bite, say, "No Bite" and look at it sternly when uttering this phrase. The dog will dislodge and begin to associate this verbal reprimand and the stern look with the action and learn that it is not acceptable.

    • 6

      Place a few uncooked beans into an empty soda can and each time the bulldog attempts to bite, shake the can near its head. The dog will begin to associate the startling shaking sound with biting and want to avoid it.

    • 7

      Have the dog spayed or neutered. This will help reduce your dog's desire to roam and fight with other dogs. According to peteducation.com, "spayed and neutered dogs are three times less likely to bite than intact dogs."