Have you recently adopted a puppy? Little Fido is absolutely adorable, but he can also be a handful. One thing that most puppy owners find themselves dealing with is biting. You’ll need to teach your canine pal about good doggy petiquette. A local York, PA vet offers some tips on keeping your furry friend from biting improperly in this article.

At What Age Will My Puppy Stop Biting?

Though every pooch is unique, most puppies will stop this behavior at around three to five months, when their adult teeth are coming in. If Little Fido is older than that and still biting, consult your vet or a dog behaviorist.

How Do I Stop My Puppy From Biting?

Little Fido will likely get his first lessons about bite inhibition from his littermates. If a puppy bites his sibling too hard, the other pooch will likely give out a yelp and stop playing. Yelping can also be an effective way to teach your canine friend not to bite hard. You can also just scold your pet in a firm tone, by saying something like ‘Don’t bite.’ Be consistent! Don’t let your furry pal bite one day, and then punish him for it the next. That will just confuse the little guy. Remember to reward him for being gentle.

What Not To Do When Puppy Bites?

There are also a few don’ts to keep in mind here. Don’t wave your fingers or feet in little Fido’s face, and don’t play rough with him. You may also find that if you pull away quickly, your canine buddy will lunge for you. Go limp instead. When your furry buddy slips up, you can reprimand him verbally, but you should never shout at or hit him. That will only frighten him, which puts him on the defensive and therefore actually increases the chances of him biting. Instead of that downward spiral, go for an upward one. Focus on bonding and rewarding good behavior. The more your little buddy loves and trusts you, the more he’ll want to please you.  

What Is The Difference Between Normal Biting And Aggression?

It’s normal for puppies to need correction about biting and nipping. However, sometimes puppies bite aggressively. Little Fido is also prone to having tantrums, as toddlers do. Your pet’s body language may help you gauge his mood. If you know or suspect that your pooch is acting aggressive, contact your vet or a pet behaviorist.

Do you have questions about puppy care? Contact us, your York, PA pet clinic, today!