A puppy’s mouth is their natural tool for exploring the world around them. They simply love to get their teeth into just about anything.
Why do puppies nip?
Here are some reasons for puppy nipping and biting:
- Your puppy wants to play!
- They are overstimulated due to activities happening around them
- Your puppy wants to chase something that's moving
- They're bored and looking for something to do
- Your pup is tired
- Their gums and teeth hurt from teething discomfort
- Your puppy wants your attention
- Your puppy is hungry
What should you do to reduce puppy nipping and biting
Here are some useful tips to reduce puppy nipping and biting. These tips will help you to keep it from developing into a habit.
- Give them distraction toys: Puppies love toys almost as much as children. Distraction toys are a great way to reduce puppy nipping and biting. They serve as an incredible outlet for your puppy's mental and physical activity. Distraction toys are interactive and entertaining for your dog. In this way, your puppy doesn’t get bored and won't start biting you.
- Give them an alternative item to chew: Dental chews, bully sticks, and chew toys reduce nipping and encourage healthy chewing habits from the start. It's a great way to satisfy your puppy's natural urge to chew.
- Encourage noncontact play: In situations of excitement and play, your puppy might start nipping or biting at your hands. You can play games like fetch and tug-of-war rather than wrestling, squishing their face, and rough play.
- Redirect your puppy's energy: Puppies need activities in their lives. You need to keep your little ones physically and mentally stimulated. As your puppy gets engaged in an activity or game, it redirects nipping and biting.
- Enroll in a puppy class: If you are unable to devote much time, it’s better to enroll your little play biter in puppy classes. Your puppy will learn to be polite with their mouth and how to behave around other people.
What not to do to reduce puppy nipping and biting
Remember that puppies interact with the world through their mouths. So, never scold them for being natural adventurers! Simply, divert the nibbling and biting elsewhere!
- Don’t pull your hands away: Sudden movements will trigger your puppy to chase after your fingers.
- Don’t squish your puppy's face: It’s cute to play with your puppy’s little face but waving with your hands in front of your puppy's mouth will only encourage them to bite.
- Don't wear loose clothes while playing with puppy: Also think about the clothing that you are wearing when playing with the puppy. Things that are loose and hanging are likely to be more stimulating for the puppy.
- Do not yell at your puppy: Yelling and shouting at your puppy never helps and will only make them little fur babies confused and scared.
- Do not hit your puppy: Hitting your puppy for nipping will lead to fear and aggression towards you and other people.
Remember to be calm, patient, and understanding. Playful nipping and biting are normal behavior for a puppy. Puppies learn at different rates so don't worry if your little furry kid doesn't pick things up straight away.
As caring dog parents, it becomes your foremost responsibility to look after the needs of your puppy in the best possible way. If you want to keep your pup healthy and entertained, Best Dog Chews provide high quality dog chews and treats for your furry friends.
Stay tuned for more posts on dog behavior, care, and much more!