Training Your Dog Not To Bite
How easy or hard it is to train a dog not to bite will vary with the breed, age and individual disposition of the dog. But there are some basic methods that will typically hold off biting and nipping behavior.
Wherever possible, begin young. Puppies have a born inclination to mouth and nip. Though it’s often encouraged by owners who understandably see the behavior as cute, human control is a prerequisite to dog control. Good - and bad - habits begin young.
Beyond about the age of 4 weeks, puppies can start to acquire basic commands. When the puppy moves his mouth to bite, a gentle, but firm ‘No!’ Accompanied by a little squeeze of the muzzle can help.
Be careful not to cause the puppy to bite its tongue, though. Be particularly careful not to squeeze heavily or too high up on the muzzle. Dogs have sensitive and delicate odour receptors high up inside the nose. You never want to harm a dog’s power to smell.
The squeeze Is not to punish, but to inform. The aim is to help the young dog connect the verbal order with something it can interpret at that age - discomfort. Most dogs naturally dislike having their muzzles squeezed at any age.
Along with verbal discouragement and gentle physical restraint or reminders, socializing your dog - as young and frequently as possible - can help train calm and self-assured dogs. Fearful dogs, not used to strangers (whether human or animal), are a great deal more inclined to biting behavior. When I say as young as possible I mean as soon as they are OK to meet other dogs. Most puppies should have various immune jabs to protect them - so don’t take them out until after they’ve had them all and are protected against common dog illnesses. Ask your vet or breeder if unsure.
More on this subject at your dog land
[Keywords: dog training, train dog not to bite.stop dog biting ]
Add commentApril 8th, 2008