In order to treat the behaviour, first you need to discover the reason behind it. Biting behaviour can be influenced by many aspects. Therefore, the only right solution to the problem is to investigate it thoroughly. How to teach your dog to stop biting?
You can also read this article in Dogo App.
Dog’s age
The biting issue is much more common in young dogs than in older ones. It is associated with teething. The first teeth appear when puppies are around 3-4 weeks old. By 8 weeks of age, your puppy should already have 28 milk teeth. Then, between 3-8 months of age, milk teeth are replaced by permanent teeth. During this period, your pup’s gums might itch and burn. Dogs frequently try to relieve the pain by biting and grinding anything they find.
Too early separation
A puppy should stay with their mother and siblings until 8 weeks of age. This is one of the most important periods of their development. During this time, they gain basic social and communication skills. Puppies play with each other and at the same time, they test their limits. The mother sets the boundaries. She makes sure that pushing and biting each other is not out of control. This way they learn to adjust their biting power according to the situation. If a puppy is taken away from their mother too early, they may not have time to develop these skills.
Emotions and how to control them
Biting and chewing are dogs’ natural needs. During these activities, hormones of happiness are produced in a pet’s body. It is an irreplaceable form of relaxation, a way to calm down and get rid of negative energy. In the case of more energetic dogs, this need is much higher. Their emotions are so powerful that sometimes they simply take over. It can be observed more often in young dogs, who are just learning to control them.
However, it doesn’t mean that older dogs don’t have a problem with it. In this case, biting behavior is common for dogs that have never been taught another, less invasive way to reduce tension.
Seeking attention
Sometimes, dogs bite to seek attention. Dogs know perfectly well that such behaviour brings human’s attention, so they don’t hesitate to use it. It happens when the pet parent does not spend as much time with their pup as necessary. As a result, the dog’s confidence decreases. It can lead to behavioural problems, including aggressive biting.
To prevent dogs from biting to seek attention, it is important to spend quality time with them on a regular basis. This can include playing with them, taking them for walks, or simply cuddling with them. It is also important to establish a routine that your dog can rely on, as this can help reduce their anxiety. Additionally, it is important to recognize the signs that your dog is seeking attention, such as whining, pawing, or barking. When you notice these signs, respond to your dog in a positive way, such as by giving them a treat or a toy to play with. This can help reinforce good behavior and prevent biting.
Experiences
Biting may occur due to behavioural disorders. And behavioural disorders might be a result of a dog’s difficult life experiences. This problem is most common in dogs adopted from a shelter. Traumatic experiences leave their mark in a form of fear and anxiety.
If you have adopted a dog from a shelter, it is important to be patient and understanding with them. They may have experienced trauma or abuse in the past, and this can lead to behavioral problems such as biting. In order to help your dog overcome these issues, it is important to provide them with a safe and secure environment. This can include a comfortable place to sleep, plenty of toys and treats, and regular exercise. It may also be helpful to work with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist, who can provide guidance and support in addressing your dog’s specific needs. Remember, with patience, love, and understanding, it is possible to help your dog overcome their past and become a happy and well-behaved member of your family.
On the other hand, it is important to note that biting is a natural behaviour for dogs. Dogs can bite each other as a way of a friendly interaction. For this communication to work, the pet should be able to adapt their biting power to the situation. The problem is that anxious dogs have difficulties with assessing the real risk. Fear overwhelms rational thinking so they attack in self-defence.
Dog trainer’s tips
- Before you adopt a puppy from a kennel, wait until they reach the appropriate age. Let them learn to control emotions with their mother. While it may be tempting to adopt a puppy as soon as possible, it is important to wait until the puppy is at the appropriate age before bringing them home. This can help ensure that they have had enough time with their mother and littermates to develop important social and communication skills. During this time, puppies learn how to control their emotions and how to interact with others in an appropriate way. By waiting until the puppy is at least 8 weeks old, you can help ensure that they are well-adjusted and ready to join your family. Additionally, it is important to provide your puppy with plenty of opportunities to socialize and interact with other dogs and people.
- Biting is a natural dog’s need. Try to provide your dog with at least 30 minutes of chewing exercises per day. If you have a young dog, increase the time.
- Provide your dog with different types of chewing toys. Find one that is particularly attractive to your puppy. This way, when your dog feels an urgent need to chew, they will reach for it, instead of your things. Additionally, teach your pup the command “Leave” – you will find it in Dogo App.
- If your dog has behavioural issues, be patient and understanding. Give them time to get used to a new situation. Don’t touch or pet them if they react aggressively – the dog doesn’t have to tolerate anyone’s touch if they don’t want to. Try to avoid situations that cause anxiety and aggression.
- If your dog tries to get your attention by biting, teach them ”Bite inhibition” trick from Dogo. Don’t yell and don’t punish your dog, because it is also a way of paying attention. It might weaken your bond and you want to avoid it. Try to understand your dog’s behaviour instead.
- Spend more time with your dog everyday. Let them use their biting tendency to play together, e.g. introduce a “Tug” command. If your dog is out of control or overly excited, show them how to change that. Teach them static commands such as: “Sit” or “Down”.
You don’t know where to start? Sign up for the Basic Obedience Program and teach your dog to control their emotions. If you need inspiration on how to spend time with your dog, try the Adorable Tricks Program. It will strengthen your bond and help you become better friends.