Tuesday Training Byte: Biting and nipping behavior in puppies

Puppies can be prone to nipping and biting for up to a year. Although it is most prevalent during teething and diminishes after 6 months, there are measures to take to reduce the problem. First of all, dogs naturally play with others by mouthing. This is different from an aggressive bite. Puppies around children less than 10 years of age quite often “bite” the child. Most dog bites occur by the family dog to a child in the household under 10. Supervising kids and dogs doesn’t work because often the parent does not know what to look for, and ends up punishing the puppy for its natural behavior. Children act like prey animals. Do not let the puppy loose around children and expect things to go well.

Puppies can easily get over stimulated or overly tired and end up nipping. Be sure to have a safe and quiet place like a crate in an out of the way location for your puppy to rest with a long- lasting chew toy. Pups need lots of rest. Do not permit children near the crate when the pup is in it. Teach children to sit on a chair calmly while you bring the puppy in on a leash to be petted. If a child jumps, runs, squeals, or waves their arms around, that is asking to get bitten.

No rough playing allowed. Sitting on the floor and rolling a ball for the pup is fine, but no tugging or trying to take a toy or treat away. Do not permit your child or grandchildren to sit on, climb on, pull ears or tail, poke or prod the puppy. Dogs also do not like hugs and often do not like being patted on the head, so respect the dog’s space and feelings. Keep human faces out of the dog’s face.

Should your pup put its mouth on you, calmly remove his mouth and walk away. If he then pounces/jumps on you, put him in his crate to rest. Have plenty of chew toys that you can rotate to his crate for variety. Also consider a lick mat with some peanut butter or easy cheese. Hitting, yelling, biting back, shock collars all make matters worse.

Dogs and pups will often jump up to get your attention. When this happens, do not touch, look at, or talk to the dog in any way. Pivot away and ignore. Any interacting-even correcting- gives your dog the attention he seeks, so you are rewarding the bad behavior. As soon as your dog puts all four feet on the floor, mark the behavior with a “Yes!” followed by a treat and calm petting. We need to teach the dog what behaviors he is supposed to do and reward the good behavior. Punishing does not do anything to teach a dog the correct behavior, so prevention is key. Marking the good behavior, and rewarding if your dog seeking your attention in a positive manner will increase that behavior. Marking the correct behavior must happen immediately for your pup to make the connection.

Pups get over stimulated easily which can lead to nipping. Be sure your puppy has scheduled nap times and ample rest, preferably in his crate.