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One of the most common ways that puppies explore their world from a young age is through nipping. They begin to learn about different flavors, textures, and tastes and to find out the things they like and those they don’t. Nipping hard and biting are not acceptable however and your puppy needs to know this.

Be the Alpha Dog

The first thing you need to know is that you must be respected by your puppy. That means being the Alpha Dog. Below are a few things you can do to get and maintain Alpha Dog status.

You go through the door first - always

Always eat before your dog.

Respond immediately to disobedience.

Don’t walk around your dog.

Give your dog its own bed; never let it sleep on yours.

Never participate in rough play with your dog as this encourages nipping.

Never permit rough play fighting type behavior or competitive games such as tug of war. Pitting your dog against you encourages nipping and confuses your dog. You can’t allow nipping in one moment and not the next.

After being bitten by your puppy, ignore it.

Teach your puppy that nipping is not fun by making a high pitched yelping sound after being nipped. Then stop whatever you were doing with your puppy and give it the cold shoulder for a full 15 minutes. Your pup will learn in no time that biting ends the fun.

Don’t allow snatching of food or toys.

Puppies should be taught not to snatch as soon as possible If your puppy or dog snatches something from you, say “No” in a firm voice and take it back off them. The immediately turn your back to the dog and give him no social attention for ten minutes or so. After the 10 minute break, see if you can get him to do the erercise again - better this time. If he’s improving - start using treats and praise to encourage that behavior.

Be Consistent

As with teaching anything things to dogs, consistency is a real key. You must make a conscious decision that biting will not be accepted and then rule it out altogether. Allowing your dog/puppy to bite some times but not others only confuses him.

For more information about dog training, and training dogs not to bite, visit the link listed below.

Tags: Dogs

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