PATIENCE AND POSITIVITY PLEASE.
Do not use the pennies in a can or spray in the face or choking method. This is punishment-based and does not teach your dog what you want them to do. Mouthing and biting is a normal part of puppy life and we want her to learn how to become focused on you and learn to please you - and not be afraid of loud noises or water.
Provide chew toys that are fun and mentally stimulating for your dog. Do not give rawhide. And make sure that you watch your dog to make sure that they are playing appropriately and not destroying the toy and ingesting the material.
Interactive toys that hide treats can keep your dog busy. Rope toys are also great as well as non-stuffed toys. SNUFFLE MATS are very popular although they are not for rough chewers who may benefit from toys especially made for them. Your local pet store can guide you in making a proper purchase.
1. Get exercise in for the morning and when you come home (at least 20 to 40 minutes) 2. Initiate play and give your dog time to understand that this is preferred and acceptable 3. Take a moment to teach your dog some basics and tricks using treats. When your dog is in food mode and learning she will be more focused on learning instead of biting 4. Treat with an OPEN PALM to avoid those sharp teeth 5. You want to teach your dog to look to you for direction. Biting will not disappear automatically. If your puppy begins to lick more this is a sign things are working. This can last days or months. If your puppy starts to bite you can snap into training mode immediately but if this is inconvenient give her a “time out” and try again (a minute or two) and if you can, exercise her.
Exercise can be in your backyard playing fetch or in the home. You can use two squeaky tennis balls and alternate. If she does not drop her ball ignore and squeak yours. When she drops hers throw yours and continue. She will learn how to give up the ball and realize the game is most fun with you.
Dorice Stancher, MBA, CPDT-KA Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT), Consultant for Pet Therapy, Writer for AKC Family Dog and Gazette, Owner of Canines Can Do. Dorice has trained dogs since childhood and her dogs have received many national and international awards. She was mentored by master trainer, Bill Delaney and continues to study with international competitors and renowned trainers Betsy Scapicchio and Diane Goodspeed. She is a certified evaluator for the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program and an evaluator for the Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs. She was elected into the International Honor Society for Teaching, and participates in AKC and CKC performance events.
Comments