If your dog is less than 16 weeks old and nips and bites non-stop, this is normal behavior – young dogs mouth a lot. Puppies mouth while playing and they mouth when communicating their wants. If your dog begins mouthing, he may be hungry or thirsty. Ask yourself: Does he need to remove waste? Is he tired? Does he want to play? Dogs nip when they feel a sense of neediness – like when a baby cries. If your dog does not stop, he may want to go outside, exercise, or drink water. The following tips can assist you when trying to control your dog’s mouthing and nipping:

1. If your dog does not want anything and he still will not stop, isolate him with a favorite bone. Do not punish your dog as you isolate her. Calmly place the puppy in her area.

2. When your puppy licks you, say “Kisses” and praise him. Encourage licking by slathering your hands with a stick of butter.

3. Hold back your attention when your dog nips quietly. Keep your hand still; removing your hand is an invitation to play and nip harder.

4. When your dog starts biting down hard, turn quickly, say: “Ep, Ep!” and glance into her eyes for two seconds; then go back to your normal routine. If he continues, try spritzing yourself with Bitter Apple or affix a leash onto your dog so that you can tug the lead sharply to the side and place him in a quiet location to cool off.

If you have a puppy that continues to nip when more than 16 weeks old, you start curbing it now. Even though the nipping will continue, make it clear that it is inappropriate. Then these tips to help you:

1. Dispense from all challenge games such as wrestling, tug-of-war, chasing, and teasing because you’re sending him the wrong message. These games teach dogs to compress down hard on any object – a leash, the dinner table, your clothing, or even your skin – and challenge.

2. Discourage all forms of nipping, whether it’s a bite on your arm or a nibble on your finger. Dog teeth do not belong on human skin.

3. Buy items to use in defense, such as Mouth Spray, Bitter Apple spray, or a long-distance squirt gun. Never stare down at your dog while you spray him; this will turn an unpleasant result into a confrontational interaction.

4. Leave your dog leashed so you have something to direct him with and can avoid physical confrontation. If your puppy’s not wearing the Teaching Lead, place a short lead onto his buckle collar.

5. When you dog begins to mouth, turn to him, use a lead or collar to snap him head from your body, or spray the region he is nipping with a spray. Do not stare at him; because he will identify your actions as confrontational play.

6. If he continues biting, ask yourself: Am I convincing? Am I snapping or pulling to encourage play? Is my puppy taking me seriously? As a result, you might need more training before you earn your dog’s respect.

Article by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies, check out our specials on chew resistant dog toys online.

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