How do I get my puppy to stop biting?
Biting and mouthing are normal behaviors for puppies. Dogs don’t have hands so they investigate objects and their environment with their mouths. To a curious puppy, everything about this big world is brand new and exciting. He learns as he goes along. You can almost hear his thought processes as he discovers something he’s never seen before: “Hmmm…what’s this? [chomping on it] Something to eat? No? [tossing it around] Can I play with it? Maybe. Can I make it squeak?” Playing is also a normal learning behavior for puppies, especially play-fighting. Play-fighting with littermates and other animals develops reflexes, coordination and physical skill. It also helps them develop social skills and teaches them how to interact positively within their canine society, their “pack.” And it’s great fun for them. Sometimes their fighting and “attacks” on us appear frighteningly fierce but to them, it’s just a game. Much like a group of kids playing make-believe games and pretending to be grown-up
I’ve had the same problem with my boxer puppy. He’s probably only teething, but, if you don’t want him to do it on humans, give him a stern, loud “No” as soon as he does it, and walk off for a few seconds and completely ignore him. If that doesn’t work, hold a spray bottle or a loud noise maker. As soon as he starts, say No, and spray him. It doesn’t hurt him, since it’s just water, just startles him and redirects the attention away from the hand. The noise maker has the same effect, just don’t put it in the ears. Hope that helps. And good luck~!!
