Guide to correcting behavior in puppies and adults
Biting is a natural way for puppies to explore the world and take in information. It also relieves them from discomfort when teething. However, it is crucial to teach puppies from an early age what they can and cannot bite to prevent this behavior from becoming a bad habit that persists into adulthood. If left unchecked, the biting problem can become serious and dangerous.
Why does your dog bite?
Dogs may bite for a variety of reasons, which go beyond playful behavior:
- Natural instinct: Puppies explore through their mouths, and as they grow older, the hunting instinct may lead them to bite as if holding prey.
- Lack of early learning: If they are not taught from an early age what objects they can and cannot bite, the behavior is likely to persist.
- Boredom or anxiety: A bored or anxious dog, especially if suffering from separation anxiety, may resort to biting to release energy or stress.
- Physical pain: If the dog is in pain due to injury, illness or chronic condition, it may react by biting. In these cases, it is important not to touch the affected areas.
- Attention seeking: Sometimes dogs bite simply to get their owners’ attention, especially if they feel they are not being sufficiently cared for.
How to teach your puppy not to bite
Here are some helpful tips:
✔️ Biting means “game over”: if your puppy bites you while you are playing, the game should stop immediately. Ignore him for a few seconds so he learns that biting will not bring him attention or Benefit.
✔️ Work on basic obedience: An obedient dog is easier to control and less likely to develop unwanted behaviors.
✔️ Positive reinforcement: When he plays without biting or chews on his toys instead of your hands, give him a reward (treats, petting or extra time) to reinforce that positive behavior.
✔️ Pay attention to your dog’s body language: Pay attention to signs that indicate he is uncomfortable or fearful. Signs such as baring his teeth, ruffling his fur, ducking his ears or growling, he could be about to bite. Give him space and keep other dogs or people away.
✔️ Don’t ignore warning signals: Growling is a form of communication to let you know that your dog feels threatened or uncomfortable. Don’t forbid him to growl, as it may be his way of avoiding a bite.
How to correct biting in adult dogs
If you failed to correct biting behavior during puppyhood, or if your adult dog has started biting, there are solutions that can help you change this habit.
✔️ Identify the cause of biting: Adult dogs may bite out of fear, pain, protection or hunting instincts. It is important to analyze if there is a triggering factor, such as injury or fear, to address the problem at its root.
✔️ Desensitization and counter-conditioning: These techniques consist of exposing your dog to situations that make him uncomfortable or fearful in a controlled manner, at levels he can tolerate. Offer rewards so that he associates the situation with something positive.This will help change his perception of those situations.
✔️ Behavior replacement: Teach your dog to change the biting behavior to a more appropriate behavior, such as sitting or staying still. Use rewards to reinforce his positive response.
✔️ Positive stimuli: Always use positive reinforcement instead of physical punishment to correct biting.
✔️ Seek professional help if necessary: If you feel your dog’s biting behavior is too difficult to correct on your own, consult a trainer or dog behaviorist.
📌 Things your dog can chew on
Providing your dog with appropriate chew toys is critical to channeling his energy safely. Chew toys not only satisfy his instinct to chew, but also his instinct to chew.
