Puppy biting and nipping and how to stop it

If your puppy is less than 16 weeks old and is continuously nipping and biting, which by the way is natural behavior because puppies mouth a lot. They mouth when they play; they also mouth to convey they want something.

If your puppy starts mouthing, Is this because he is hungry or thirsty? Does he want to (use the toilet) eliminate? Is he drowsy? Does he want to play? Bear in mind, (just like a baby, cries) a puppy nips, when he feels needy.

Should your puppy not refrain from biting, ask yourself if he wants something, like going out for a walk or having a drink. The tips below can help you to control mouthing and nipping:

1. If your puppy doesn’t want anything but carries on biting and nipping, put him in a crate or isolate him with a favorite bone. Don’t scold him as you isolate. Calmly position the puppy in his space.

2. Whenever your puppy licks you, say "Kisses" and praise him warmly. Encourage licking by rubbing your hands with a frozen stick of butter.

3. Restrain your attention when your puppy nips softly. Keep your hand still; withdrawing your hand is an invitation to play and nip harder.

4. Should your puppy start biting down hard, turn sharply, and say "No, No!" and stare into his eyes for two seconds; then return to your routine.

If he persists, try spraying yourself with Bitter Apple or fasten a lead onto your puppy so that you can tug the lead sharply to the side. If necessary, place him in a quiet area to cool off.

If you have a puppy who still nips when he is older than 4 months, you need to start curbing it now. Although nipping will continue, you need to make clear that it is just not on.

Next are a few tips to assist you:

1. Stop all types of challenge games. Such  games as wrestling, tug-of-war, chasing your dog around, and teasing him. When you engage in  activities like this, you're just sending the wrong message. Games like these teach dogs to clamp down hard on any object - a lead, clothes, your shirt, or even your skin – which is challenging behaviour.

2. Totally discourage all nipping, whether it's a bite on your hand or a nibble on one of  your fingers. Dogs teeth don’t belong on human skin, period.

3. Buy a few things to use in defense, such as Mouth Spray, Bitter Apple spray, or a long-distance squirt gun. Never stare at your pup while you spray him; doing so turns an unpleasant event into something the puppy takes as confrontational.

4. Leave a lead on your puppy so you have something to direct him with so you can avoid physical confrontation. If your puppy is not wearing the teaching leash, place a short lead onto his buckle collar.

5. Should your puppy begin to mouth, turn to him, use a lead or collar to snap his head from your body, or spray the region your puppy is nipping. Don’t not glare at him; as, he will most likely perceive your actions as confrontational play.

6. If after all this he still carries on nipping you should ask yourself is my dog taking me seriously? You may need more training before you earn his respect. Ask yourself these questions: Do I look convincing? Am I snapping or pulling? (because pulling encourages play.)

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