How to Train a Dog Not to Bite
There’s a saying that goes, “Barking dogs never bite,” but you’ll never be sure until you’ve actually trained them. When left unchecked, your dogs can bite you without any provocation at all, and since our skins are thinner than a dog’s, they can cause more harm than you expect. Keep your dog, yourself, your friends and family safe from unexpected dog bites. Here’s how.
Puppies
Start early. Your dog will most likely start biting at an early age, and it’s important you train your puppy as soon as possible. Puppies also have a tendency to bite more, since it’s also how one of the things they do when they play.
Decide what’s acceptable. As any dog owner would know, there are a variety of nips that a dog could do. Decide if even playful nibbles are unacceptable, so that you can condition your dog on knowing that they aren’t welcome in your house. Bigger dogs, for example, should be trained not to even nip, as their bigger teeth can do more damage than, say, toy dogs.
Make a loud noise…every time your dog bites you or nips you. Dogs typically make loud noises or yelps whenever they’re hurt, so doing something similar will send a similar response to your dog. Say “Ouch!” or “Ow!”
Praise your puppy. Whenever your puppy does release its hold on you, praise it. Praise can come in the form of petting, verbal praise or giving your puppy a treat in return.
Give chew toys. You can’t completely expect your puppy not to chew on anything, so have a chew rope around to play tug of war with. You can also leave chew toys for your dog to chew on, instead of turning its attention on people and furniture.
Train your dog in other commands. A well-scheduled dog would have less time for chewing randomly on you and other objects in your house. Teach your dog to heel, sit and stay. These commands could actually override your dog’s desire to bite on things.
Adult Dogs
Training adult dogs are pretty much similar to how you train puppies, only perhaps will take more patience. Here are some more tips on how to train adult dogs from biting.
Make a trade. Whenever you catch your dog chewing on something or biting on something (or someone) that it shouldn’t, offer your dog a trade. It could be a chew toy or a treat, but don’t give it to your dog unless it drops the object it’s not supposed to be chewing entirely.
Use bitter apple spray. A bitter apple spray, also known as a chew deterrent, is sprayed on various items or furniture to deter dogs from chewing on them. Spray them on anything that your dogs like chewing on.
Making it clear to your dog that biting is not acceptable is a test of patience on your part as its owner. Ensuring that your dog gets its regular rabies shots are also part of your responsibility. Just keep in mind that biting sometimes arises out of the dog being in pain, so make sure you take your dog to the vet when your dog starts biting when it never used to do so. Keep a muzzle on it when you do to prevent your dog from biting others.