Well folks, I’ve finally gotten around to posting another “real post”. I feel like I’ve been posting a lot of fun things lately with our giveaway contest, product review, and fun photos, so I hope you enjoy an informative post for a change!
Handling a puppy who’s constantly nipping and biting can become frustrating very fast. Not only is this a behavior you want to discourage as soon as possible due to future implications, but ouch it hurts! Those little puppy teeth are always sharp.
Some of the best tips I’ve learned to deal with this rough play involve thinking, and behaving as if you’re another puppy.
Tip # 1 Squeal! (this works well for kids)
Try this when a puppy nips or bites at you. Squeal or shriek in a high pitched voice. OUCH! or any other word will do, its the pitch that matters here.
Why it works: Your high pitched voice is reminiscent of another puppy in pain. This communicates to your biting puppy that she’s biting too hard, and better back off.
Tip # 2 Pinch gently- and I do mean gently, we’re not trying to cause any pain here!
Why it works: Not only does this distract your nipping puppy from his current (bad) behavior, but its not comfortable for him either, leaving him less inclined to take a taste next time around.
Tip # 3 “Ah-Ah”
Why it works: Ah-Ah should be said quickly and authoritatively. Its important to sound like you’re the boss, and serious. Mainly, this works as a distraction technique, to get your pups mind onto something else.
Puppy nipping and biting behaviours are something that most dogs grow out of as they age. You can help reduce the length of time your puppy is in this “stage” by reacting appropriately to the behavior, and giving your puppy a better option to chew on (like one of his own toys).
Anyone have other tips and tricks that have worked with fiesty puppies? Be sure to leave us a comment to share!
