How to Stop a Pitbull Puppy From Biting

Puppies, including pitbull puppies, bite for several different reasons. The puppy may be teething and the chewing feels good on the puppy's teeth and gums. The puppy may also be curious about the person and its surroundings. The pitbull may also be playing, as puppies bite and nip at their litter mates shortly after birth. Many people associate pitbulls with aggression, even though this does not need to be the case. Training your pitbull will keep its biting under control, so the dog does not become a problem biter later in life.

Things You'll Need

  • Chew toy
  • Wet cloth
  • Puppy treats
  • Empty soda can
  • Uncooked beans
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Instructions

    • 1

      Avoid removing the puppy from the litter too early. A pitbull puppy learns a lot of its acceptable social behavior through interactions with its litter mates. Wait until the puppy is at least eight weeks old before he is sold or given away.

    • 2

      Offer your puppy a chew toy or a wet cloth if he is biting because of teething. Teething generally occurs in very young puppies and the cloth or toy will help teach the puppy acceptable objects to bite.

    • 3

      Socialize the puppy with other dogs, children and adult humans. It is important that a puppy meets as many humans and other dogs in the first few months of life as possible so he has several positive experiences with other creatures. Avoid allowing the pitbull puppy to meet any animal or person that may harm him. This will lead to a negative association with humans and other dogs.

    • 4

      Teach the puppy to become used to human hands and being handled by allowing him to explore several different sets of hands. Help the puppy make a positive connection to human hands by asking each person he comes in contact with to offer the puppy a treat.

    • 5

      Fill an empty can with some uncooked beans. Each time the pitbull puppy bites, shake the can as a way to distract the puppy from this activity, and say the word "no" one time. Once the puppy walks away, give him verbal praise and a treat.