Instructions
Training your Dog
Begin training your pup as soon as you bring it home. Treat it with kindness and consistency, but be firm. If the dog nips or bites, say "no" firmly. Then turn your back on the pup, completely ignoring it for 10 or 15 minutes. This negative reinforcement should teach the dog to desist from undesirable behavior. Dogs generally love to have your attention and will not like having it withdrawn.
Observe the behavior prior to an incident of biting. This is particularly important if your dog is older, and the biting is a new development. It may be that the biting is directed at other dogs, is at feeding time, or even directed at a particular human. It may even be that the dog is being provoked or teased in some way. If the dog suddenly begins to bite, always have this checked with the veterinarian, as there may be an underlying health problem.
Involve other people in the house in any program of negative reinforcement. Everyone in the house should respond consistently to the dog's behavior, by giving lots of attention when the dog is behaving well, and withdrawing it when the dog shows undesirable behavior.
Take the dog to dog behavior training if this behavior persists. Always take your dog to a reputable trainer or class, and always accompany it.
How to Deal With a Biting Dog
Dealing with a biting dog is an imperative, as not dealing with this issue can lead to serious problems. You are legally responsible for your pet's behavior. Even apart from the legal implications, you will not want the distress caused by your dog biting a child, a friend or any person. Dogs are blamed for bad behavior, but often it is the human who owns the dog who is culpable. There are exceptions, but most dogs will respond to correct and consistent behavior training.