If you want to stop puppy biting (and you do, of course want that), the magic word for you to use with your puppy is simply: No. Whenever your puppy displays undesirable behavior, be it jumping on people, chewing things they oughtn't, or biting, a firm "No" should be your response. If your puppy is taught this all important word as a puppy, they will obey this command for a lifetime.
Your puppy must learn the word no as early as possible. This is the best word to use for correction, and if you teach them at an early age, they will always listen to it. Again, if you see your puppy chewing on something they are not allowed to chew, a firm "no!" is called for. If the word alone fails to stop their behavior, then tap them under the chin while repeating "no!".
If the tap under his chin does not deter him, then you need to employ a few stronger methods of correction. Tarry a while and watch animals interacting amongst themselves. You will find that they do not really tell each other what to do. They resort to body bumping, display fighting or growling. They encourage each other by barking and facial expressions. If even these measures fail, then they go for the jugular by outright conflict.
Puppies learn how to behave by watching the pack. Your puppy is no different, except that their "pack" consists of your family! You must step in and take the part of pack leader. Just as in the wild, if a member of the pack steps out of line, the pack leader will correct the behavior; so should you.
Stay calm, cool & composed. One thing that you must remember when trying to stop puppy biting at all times is to NEVER show your anger when you are correcting your puppy. Always retain and maintain your composure. You are not trying to frighten your puppy. All you want to convey to him is, "Do not do that." Remember that correction is not being used to terrorize your pet or to intimidate him. It is just a tool that is being used to ensure that his behavior is molded in a manner befitting to life amidst the human society.
Correct immediately. You must correct your puppy immediately. A puppy does not have much sense of recall. Hence if you correct him after a lapse of some time, he will just not be able to fathom what you are trying to tell him. In order to stop puppy biting, correction that is not done immediately will only confuse him and leave him feeling totally perplexed. Puppies bite by instinct. But this instinctive reaction left unchecked can turn into a very nasty habit. You must nip it in the bud. Your puppy must be made to realize that he must not bite humans. It will just not be tolerated. Correct him even when he gives you those playful little puppy bites.
The same principles of correction apply to other undesirable behaviors like jumping on people. While it may be cute to have a puppy jumping at you, this could become dangerous if left unchecked; just imagine a fully grown Great Dane thinking jumping is acceptable behavior! Say "No" and push your puppy gently away when they jump on you. If they listen and stop jumping, don't forget to praise your puppy. This will reinforce the desirable behavior.
Your Dog Training Diva Lizzy Lund is the creator of informative articles on dog training. To learn more about training techniques Click http://stop-puppybiting.blogspot.com
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