What's the best way to break a puppy of the habit of biting?

[SouthoftheBorderPaul]

I am in the process of training a young lab mix to not bite. I seem to be making slow progress but I'm interested in hearing your input....

[Debi]

1. How old?

get chew toys and 'good' bite items - puppies teeth and need to bite

low mean voice and easy comand 'no' 'don't bite' (then offer good bite toy)

praise when puppy chews good bite items.

[ohiosmith]

2. Old Native American technique works on biting kids too. When the puppy

bites, toss a cup of cold water in its face.

[bahrbearian]

4. Yeah that works, or keep a squirt gun handy, a little squirt with ,

with a voice comand, can be used for a few different behavior problems.

[mzmolly]

3. I've heard from a trainer to grab the fur around the neck, look into

the eyes and say nooooooo in a deep gutteral voice until the dog looks away? Of course you won't grab the fur to harm the dog, just to aid in looking you in the eye.

Not sure if it will be effective or not? By the way, pups will chew everything for a while, including your hands ... it's natural and they'll out grow that. For chewing, I'd suggest lots of bones!

Good luck!

[radwriter0555]

9. You're entirely correct. That's how you establish yourself as the alpha

dog.

In addition, a tin can with noisy things helps. When the pooch does the gnawing and biting shake the can right at his ear with a firm no, to distract and then replace the biting with a desired behavior. Hand the pup a chewy or toy.

Pups like babies DO need chew toys especially around 4 months when their new teeth are coming in, so be understanding.

[TX-RAT]

5. A very quick, thump on the end of the nose.

Usually it only takes about 3 times at the most. It's harder on you than it is on the pup. Good thing they have the attention Span of a gnat.

[tjwash]

7. The problem with that is, they tend to get "hand-shy" sometimes.

nt

[TX-RAT]

12. Never had that happen.

I've been training bird dogs for close to 40 yrs, the one thing I've learned is you have to start their training when their no older than 10 weeks. I can get rid of most bad habits by the time their 12 weeks. The great thing about starting them when their that young is it's a very forgiving period.

[Lisa0825]

6. And old friend was a dog trainer, and she said...

if he bites your hand, to push INTO his mouth, especially so that your fingers go to the back of his mouth and make him gag. He'll eventually start associating biting with that unpleasant feeling.

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

8. Remove its teeth?

Oh you mean....... never mind! :)

[SouthoftheBorderPaul]

10. All good suggestions. Thanks!

She is a 3-5 month-old so I have provided her with a lot of chew toys. Of course, she prefers my shoes and socks. I have been scolding her verbally which seems to help. I like the water idea...

[Ms. Clio]

14. Have you considered an obedience training class?

Some of your local pet stores probably have classes, sometimes puppy training classes, or you could ask your vet. These classes teach basic stuff that is very useful and they are usually fun and good socialization for your puppy.

[FredScuttle]

11. I have the solution!

What's the problem? Puppy biting?

Solution's simple....kill the puppy.

Now, about the Social Security crisis...

I'm George W. Bush and I approve this message

[SouthoftheBorderPaul]

13. Maybe I'll bring to light the puppy's

lies about her Viet Nam record. That'll show her.

Oh wait, Bush had nothing to do with that. :sarcasm:

[redqueen]

15. I've always found just saying NO loundly and with angry look

to work pretty well. Also immediately stop playing with her (if that's what you're doing) and only look at her scornfully for a few minutes.

[CornField]

16. Do you have kids?

We had a difficult time teaching Belle that humans were not her personal chew toys. When a puppy mouths on your hand or foot, you let it go completely still and give the firm command "no bite." At the moment the pup removes his/her mouth from you provide the pup with lavish praise.

What people (especially kids) do wrong: they squeal and try to pull away. The dog hears the squeal and thinks it is a delightful sound. The pup is impressed that you enjoy this game and makes a mental note to "play" with you more often.

When it comes to the pup chewing on inanimate objects, use a soda can with 10-20 coins inside. When you see the pup chewing on something he/she shouldn't be, toss the can so that it lands near (but not on) the pup. Then walk up with a "Wow! What was that?!?" -- pet the pup and offer an appropriate chew toy.

You don't want the pup to see you toss the can. It works best if the pup thinks that the horrible noise just happens when he/she chews on your shoe (for instance). BTW, the cans can also work really well when you aren't even home. Lay some pop can traps -- attach a can to a shoe your pup just can't seem to resist; place a couple on top of the garbage can; put a can on top of a napkin that is hanging over the edge of the table.

[trof]

17. I learned this from a great dog training book.

The book is "How to be your dog's best friend" by the monks of New Skete. They're an order in upstate New York that breeds and trains dogs. German Shepherds mostly. Google "monks of new skete".

To correct almost any bad habits they recommend using the same method the pup's mother would use.

Immediately roll him on his back and hold him belly up with your hand firmly on his chest, close enough under his chin so he can't nip you. Tell him "NO! BAD DOG!" in a loud firm voice. Hold him there for several seconds. He is completely defenseless and it makes a real impression on him.

You can check the library for the book, but I bought a copy several years ago and have used it with all of our dogs.

[ajacobson]

18. Yelp/time out

The method the training facility I volunteer for uses works pretty good. First off, puppies are going to be mouthy so I don't like to respond with physical punishment. It can make things worse. Do what puppies do-yelp. A high pitched yelp tells the puppy "hey you are playing too rough!" If that doesn't work, then play time is OVER (for a little bit). Withdraw ALL attention. When the dog has calmed down, start over. Repeat as needed. Another thing-try substituting with an appropriate toy. Dog starts to mouth your arm, stop and give the puppy a chew toy. No matter what you do, be consistent. If it is not ok to chew your fingers, then no exceptions!

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

19. Put your hand or fingers down his throat when he does it.

He'll stop. I'm serious.

[youthere]

20. All pups need to chew,,,just not on us.

What we've always done when the dog gets carried away while we are playing is we immediatly STOP playing and withdraw. Put the pup in the kennel/crate. They learn really fast if they don't bite they get to play.

[Dastard Stepchild]

21. Cross your arms and look up away from the pooch,,,

this helps with jumping up at you, too. When the pooch is calm again, then she/he can have your attention. I would always take away my attention when my puppers was acting bad, and give it to her in droves when she acted appropriately. Oh... and it helps to always have a chew toy in the vicinity so you can just put that in the pup's mouth when she nips at you.
Saying ouch loudly can also help.. it stops the biting and then you can pop the toy in their mouth.