Putting An End To Your Puppy’s Biting
Puppies that bite with intent to injure/protect themselves - i.e., that are not just play biting due to a lack of bite inhibition training - are generally quite a rare phenomenon. It’s fortunate that this is true, because a young puppy (under the age of 6 months) that bites is most likely beyond salvation.
The reason for this is simply because, at such a young age, the concept of aggressive self-defense and/or dominance over others should be beyond a puppy. It’s similar to the thought of a four year old child picking up a hammer and deliberately hitting you on the head with it - it’s just not within the realms of their comprehension.
It’s an all to common scenario that a young dog that becomes aggressive and bites has at some stage been exposed to abuse, severe trauma or neglected. Just as with you or I, this can dramatically change your dog’s temperment and personality. This behavior can often be ignorantly put down to the puppy simply being a “bad dog” - possibly one from savage genetic stock, or from an inappropriate environment such as a pit bull puppy mill (where dogs genetically predisposed towards extreme aggression are raised badly and are lacking in maternal guidance).
Puppies like this are generally euthanized, on the advice of a specialist - sadly, this is usually the only humane option for a damaged animal which will retain its savagery for life.
Acceptable Biting
The usual age for puppies to begin demonstrating the first signs of aggression is around 9 months of age. This is because they are approaching puberty, and with it, sexual maturity. Hormones are flooding your puppy’s endocrine system, encouraging experimental behavior, the development of individuality and independence, the first signs of dominance testing and, if allowed to continue unchecked, aggression will develop and become out of control.
Learn more about what is acceptable behavior for your puppy and read reviews of top guides for dealing with a biting-puppy (link opens in a new window).
Controlling Your Puppy’s Biting
Fortunately, all this is preventable - by you. You need to be the boss around your dog, and teach it in a variety of ways that it is lower on the chain of command than all other humans in the house.
Here are some tips for doing so:
- Discuss the issues with your household, and people who will be regularly visiting your home, and make sure everyone is willing to enforce the fact that all humans are above the puppy. Do not do anything for your puppy without him doing something for you first: for example, don’t let him outside without having him sit and stay until you give the OK.
- Give, remove, and give again. Practice giving a toy to your puppy, removing it from his mouth, and then giving it back to him. This is also a good way to initiate the “drop it” command, as well as reinforcing the notion that it pays to do what you want (if he complies, he gets his treat back; if he doesn’t, he gets the cold shoulder or a stern rebuke).
- If your puppy misbehaves, do not use corporal punishment (apart from a quick and mild shake by the scruff of the neck for repeated and deliberate violations). As soon as he misbehaves, get up, fold your arms, avert your face and eyes, and ignore him. Get everyone in the room to do the same. The cold shoulder is an extremely effective manner of communicating to a dog that his behavior is inappropriate: social isolation is a powerful tool, and instinctively puppies and dogs associate it with potential danger (a lone dog is a vulnerable target).
- Humans control all the food. Practice removing your puppy’s food bowl as he eats. Reward him with a treat, and then return the bowl to him. Once he is accustomed to this, any children in the house can practice this as well. Another idea is to add a small handful of dog biscuits to the bowl as he is eating. Both of these techniques encourage your dog to welcome a human approaching as he eats, rather than treating the situation as a potential threat and reacting as such.
- Your puppy must NEVER bite you. No matter what the circumstances, it must be corrected instantly and on the spot. Playful mouthing is acceptable, but when you feel a deliberate bite - no matter how tentative - your puppy is testing the waters and must be shown the error of his ways. Correct it straight away with a deep, stern, growly “NO!” and wait a moment until replacing the hand/hair/hem that he has been nipping with a more appropriate toy. When his jaws close around it, pet him and praise him.
- Be aware that you yourself can be responsible for much of your puppy’s bad behavior: rough games like tug of war and wrestling encourage your puppy to attempt to physically best you. This is all well and good during the young-puppy stage, but if you have a large breed, it may be difficult to win once the puppy hits adolescence and begins to fill out. Once your puppy has won, he will never forget that he has managed to “beat” you - he won’t think of it as a game and will lose respect for your authority. Games like fetch are much more favorable: still fun, but also reinforcing the concept that you are in charge (the puppy must do as you wish in order to continue the game).
- Growling is the first warning sign, this is time for you to step in and let your puppy know that aggression will not be tolerated. Never allow your dog growl, even once, without being corrected - Firmly say “NO” back at him instantly. Make sure your growl is deep, stern, and louder than his - the idea is to scare him a little bit, and show him that you are the alpha, not him.
Taking Responsibility For Your Puppy
Training your puppy from a young age is vital for his development into a socially acceptable dog. You want to be able to take your dog for walks on the beach, in the park, and down the street - on or off the leash (where appropriate, of course) - without fearing for his safety or the safety of any one of the numerous human and canine pedestrians sharing the neighborhood with him. YOU are responsible for your puppy’s future status in canine and human society - make the most of your puppy’s impressionable early months and train, train, train……Click here for more information on dealing with puppy aggression and biting issues.
Filed under: Dogs, Educational, Pets, Puppies