It is very normal for a puppy to bite and chew on objects. This is how it tests the waters and figures out its environment. Puppies in a litter will also bite and nip at each other and their mother as a way of socializing and playing. It is important to teach a Labrador puppy very early on that biting humans is not an acceptable behavior.
Things You'll Need
- Soft chew toys
- Spray bottle
- Water
Instructions
Avoid playing games with the puppy that teach it aggressive behavior such as tug of war. Instead, teach the puppy gentle games, such as fetch, or give it a soft chew toy to nibble on.
Avoid pulling away from the puppy suddenly when it bites. Doing so tells the puppy that this is a game, and the puppy will continue to bite. You are also more likely to get scratched or injured if you perform a sudden, jerking motion during a nibble or bite.
Yelp when the puppy accidentally bites you. This is how puppies in the litter signal to one another that harmless, gentle biting as a form of play is becoming too aggressive or painful.
Redirect your puppy̵7;s natural biting instincts during play from your arms or hands to a toy. This will teach your puppy what it can chew or bite and what behavior is not acceptable.
Spray the puppy near the face and body with water when it is biting something or someone it should not bite.
Place your puppy in another room for a short time out. Do not leave it alone for longer than a couple of minutes. Your puppy does not want to be alone, and it will begin associating unwanted biting and chewing with this separation from the owner and family.