Puppy Playbiting Written on January 10, 2012, by admin.

Normal Behavior

It is normal canine behavior for puppies and dogs to play with each other using their mouths. The problem happens when they assume that humans like to be treated in the same way. When a puppy puts teeth on flesh or clothing, they should be corrected effectively, consistently and swiftly so that they think twice about the consequence the next time they have the urge to grab. They should also be supplied with appropriate outlets for their chewing, and their needs for regular exercise and interaction must be met.

Corrections

For a correction to be effective, it must startle the puppy enough so that the puppy does not go back to doing the same behavior right away. The correction has to be aversive, meaning the pup will want to avoid it. Usually it’s best to surprise your puppy with the correction.

Since every puppy is different in temperament, each correction will not work on every puppy. You will have to experiment to find the right one for your pet. Some suggestions;

Use a spray bottle with water inside it. When the teeth touch flesh or clothing, you’d say “halt” and spray right after. The spray bottle should be hidden from the dog at all times except when actually spraying.

Use a small party favor sized horn. Most dogs find the noise scary or annoying enough to want to avoid.

Bang two pot lids or two metal bowls together when the puppy uses its teeth on you.

Try a shake can (an empty soda can with ten pennies inside, tape the hole closed)

Use a taste deterrent (Listerine, bitter apple spray, vinegar, Tabasco sauce) on your hand or clothes so that when the puppy touches you with his mouth, you simply taste bad! Another way to use a taste deterrent is to make the back of your hand taste bad and wait for the puppy to mouth you. When he does, push the hand that tastes bad into his mouth as the correction.

Channel the energy!

When puppies demand attention by constantly mouthing or playing too roughly, it could be a sign that they are not getting enough appropriate exercise and/or interaction. If that is the case, you will have to address the very important need of your puppy to get regular, vigorous exercise daily by playing with another fully vaccinated dog or by playing fetch in an enclosed yard or hallway until the dog is drained of excess energy.

There are also plenty of interactive toys on the market that can keep your puppy busy and pacified. Choose a toy that is designed to hold a treat inside which creates a puzzle-type experience (Kong, marrow bone, etc.) or one that promotes prolonged chewing (knuckle bone, etc.) The more energy your puppy uses for appropriate activities, the less he will use for inappropriate mouthy behaviors. Remember; a tired dog is a good dog!

If there are times when your puppy is out of control and you have no time to dedicate to dealing with the problem, the best thing to do is calmly confine the pup to a safe area until he settles down. Once he has relaxed, release him and encourage him to play appropriately. Providing the above mentioned pacifier toys can provide a distraction to keep your pet’s mouth off of you when you don’t have the time or energy to dedicate to controlling his behaviors.

You can take advantage of feeding time by using it as a regular chance to train your puppy while it’s exercising; try dividing his dry food between two people. Stand on opposite ends of a long hallway or a wide room in your home. Take turns calling the puppy to come and sit before he gets a single piece of kibble. This game provides exercise, social interaction, and teaches the puppy to come and sit when he wants someone or something.

Don’t make it worse!
Most puppies become excited when they see fast movements and hear funny noises. Humans, and especially children, by nature jump back and squeal when they are afraid of puppy play biting. In many cases, this reaction makes puppies more interested and agitated, which causes them to play bite even more vigorously. It would be best to remain calm and ignore the behavior as much as possible. This will communicate that he never gets attention for using his teeth on anyone. Teach your child that their behavior will affect the dog’s behavior. Any q uick or sudden movements around the dog, including screams or loud noises could excite the dog and possibly result in aggressive behavior.

Don’t let your children play tug of war with your dog. This rule applies to adults as well! A dog that is allowed to tug on any item may decide that’s it’s okay to grab other things as well (children’s toys, clothing, hands, arms and ankles).

Please try these suggestions as a whole program for eliminating play biting.

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