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Titles in Our Online
Pet Behavior Library


The Barking Dog
Destructive Behavior in Dogs
Guidelines for Choosing a Dog Trainer
Help! My Puppy's Biting!
Explaining Canine Rivalry
Submissive or Excitement Urination
Counter-Conditioning and Desensitization
My Cat's Not Using His litterbox!
Managing House-Soiling by Dogs
Housetraining Kittens
Housetraining Puppies
Managing Aggressive Behavior
Introducing a New Pet to a Resident Pet
Pet Sterilization
Crate-Training Your Puppy
Digging Dogs
Grooming Tips for Dogs
Jumping Dogs
Motivation, Restraint, and Punishment
Natural Instincts Housetraining Puppies
The "No Free Lunch" Principle
Quiet Down Exercise
Recommended Reading List
Canine Development and Socialization
Speak Softly
The Canine Escape Artist
Unusual Eating Habits in Cats and Dogs
My Dog's Afraid of Thunder!
Understanding Biting / Scratching in Cats
Children and Dogs
Destructive Scratching in Cats
Aggression in House Cats
About Rabies
Travel and Pets
Weather and Pets
Animal Diets
Sheltering Dogs
Spay/Neuter Q & A
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Help! My Puppy's Biting!

   While it won’t heal those punctures on your hands and ankles any faster, it may be comforting to know that if your puppy is biting, you’re not alone. In fact, mouthing and biting are normal (but not desirable) behaviors and essentially all puppies will bite. The good news is that as your puppy gets older much of the nipping and mouthing will disappear, particularly if you don’t encourage it through aggressive play. Fortunately, most biting done by puppies is playful and there are several ways you can discourage your puppy from choosing you as a target.
Avoid aggressive play.
   Wrestling, “boxing” at the puppy’s mouth with your hands and tug-of-war will get your puppy excited and teach her that hands are appropriate chew toys. Redirect the puppy to appropriate toys. Virtually all puppies will need to chew on something, so make sure there are plenty of acceptable chew toys available. If your puppy attacks your hand, ankle, or clothing, offer him a favorite toy instead. When he goes for the toy, give him lots of praise and attention.
Practice the high yip.
   When play between puppies gets too rough, the one being bitten will give a high-pitched, piercing yip.This will startle most puppies and cause them to stop biting for a moment. You can mimic the high yip, then withdraw your hand and substitute something else. Keep your fingers curled. Many puppies will not bite at a closed hand as they will an open hand.
Use a Gentle Leader collar.
   The Gentle Leader gives you an effective way to control a puppy’s head and mouth. If your puppy starts to go for a hand, pull gently and steadily on the lead. As soon as he stops, release the pressure and praise him.
Use time-out.
   If your puppy gets too riled up, won’t listen to you, and immediately starts to bite again after you’ve tried some other approaches, then isolating her for a brief period may be needed.
Supervise play between kids and puppies
   Many children are not able to use these techniques on their own and will need your help. Puppies learn quickly and may discover that young children can be intimidated by rough play and biting. Kids also like to do things that get puppies overexcited. Adult supervision will be needed until the puppy and the child learn how to play appropriately.

Copyright 1996 by Dr. S.W. Linne, Dr. R.K .Anderson, and Julie Engle, with cooperation of The Animal Humane Society.
If this material is reproduced, please credit the Animal Humane Society.