How to Stop a Lab Puppy From Biting

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

    • 1

      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.

    • 2

      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.

    • 3

      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.

    • 4

      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.

    • 5

      Spray the puppy near the face and body with water when it is biting something or someone it should not bite.

    • 6

      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.