Your new puppy is full of energy, curiosity and sharp teeth. If you offer him a treat and he snaps at your hand, your reaction may be to drop the treat. This will teach him that the fastest way to get a treat is to bite. Discouraging this behavior is critical. You do not want your puppy to grow into a dog that chomps on your hand when you offer him a treat. Start right away to train your puppy to take treats gently by only rewarding polite behavior when a treat is offered.
Things You'll Need
- Dog treats
- Gloves
Instructions
Hold a treat in your closed fist. Use a smelly treat such as pieces of hot dog to get your puppy interested in your closed hand. However, if this is too stimulating for your puppy, use something a little less appealing, such as a dry treat.
Offer your closed fist to your puppy.
Keep your fist closed if your puppy begins biting to get to the treat.
Open your fist to reveal the treat on the palm of your hand as soon as your puppy sits back or ceases biting at your hand.
Allow the puppy to eat the treat from your palm as you attach the command, "gentle" or a similar command to label the behavior.
If your puppy is being too rambunctious, stand up and walk away from her, removing your attention until she calms down. As soon as she does calm down and behaves more politely, return to the lesson.