As adorable as puppies can be, it is in their nature to fight or bite while playing with their litter mates or other dogs or puppies. It is important to teach your puppy that this is unacceptable behavior as you want him to grow into a good canine citizen.
Disciplining a puppy is fairly simple and does not involve hitting; rather, tone of voice, sharp noises, subtle discomforts and consistency are key to helping your puppy grow into a well-disciplined family member.
Things You'll Need
- Spray bottle with water
- Metal can with lid, filled with a small amount of pennies, stones or marbles
Instructions
Give your puppy a sharp command of "No" or "Stop" if she begins to fight with another dog. Be consistent with the verbal command so that the puppy associates the command with the behavior.
Shake a metal can filled with metal or stone while giving the puppy a "No" or "Stop" command. The noise will startle the puppy (usually causing him to stop what he is doing), and it is a sound that most dogs do not like. If you do this consistently, you may get to the point where all you have to do is pick up the can to get your dog's attention.
Place the puppy in her cage or kennel, or outside in a fenced yard away from other dogs, if the fighting does not stop on verbal command. Doing this consistently will also teach the puppy that the behavior (fighting) has a consequence (removal).
Teach your puppy to obey the "heel" command. Practice this extensively, even during playtime, so that whether he is in the heat of aggressive play or actual fighting the puppy will understand that "heel" is a command that must be obeyed.
Spray the puppy gently in the face with the spray bottle filled with water, on a light to mist setting, and not at close range. The intent is not to harm the puppy but to startle it. Loudly and sharply say "No" or "Stop" as you spray so that the puppy associates the consequence with the fighting.
Praise your puppy when he stops fighting on command and continue to reward this behavior.
Establish dominance over your puppy so that she understands you are the lead or "alpha" dog in her "pack." This may require additional research and training through books or websites that can give you advice on how to help your puppy make this distinction (see Resources section).
Hire a professional dog trainer to work with your puppy if he continues to fight and ignores commands or reprimands to stop.