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How to Stop a Puppy From Biting

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Puppy Biting

Puppy Biting
Learn how to manage puppy biting. Ow! lifeonwhite/Deposit Photos

Pet Parent Question:

I have a question on a new puppy. I’ve always had dogs, and currently have two Yorkies, a Rottie and a new pup. The new pup is a Beagle and Dotsy mix, extremely smart at 12 weeks, completely house and kennel trained — I’ve never had a dog that young be so quick to house train. Though she is a huge biter! By that I mean she brings blood, nothing is off limits — arms, legs, hands, face if she gets close enough. I’ve tried scolding her, stop showing attention, giving chew toys when she bites, and I’m lost. Nothing has worked. I’ve even used a fly swatter, which she will turn and attack. She is very, very active and has a doggie door she can go through and run around, which she definitely does for hours. Any advice that I haven’t tried?

Dog Trainer’s Answer:

Congrats on your new family member and huge congrats on potty/kennel training your new puppy! A high five to a fellow Rottie pet parent! Do know the secret to potty training is providing clear boundaries and rewarding good behavior often, which you did so pat yourself on the back. 🙂

Ah, puppy nipping, or as we say in the dog training world bite inhibition. It’s pretty important to teach your puppy that teeth on skin does not pay. Now, your puppy is probably beginning the teething process and it takes a few times to teach your puppy what he can chew on so hang in there. 🙂

A couple of things to try:

  • Teach boundaries. If you’re rude when playing, the game is over: The moment you feel teeth on your skin squeak loudly, freeze for a moment, then walk away from your puppy. If your puppy chases you or tries to pull on your pant leg, repeat the squeak and freeze. Then walk away.
  • Redirect to a toy. Wiggle a toy in front of your puppy and play a quick game of tug. This redirects your puppy from you and onto the toy — works like a charm.
  • Lastly, spray bitter apple on your arms. Careful though, as some dogs love the taste of bitter apple. When polling my students, over half the puppies love the stuff.

Puppy nipping will pass. This is a normal part of puppyhood. 🙂 Punishment usually makes it worse, as any fast movement is play behavior. Hence, chasing the fly swatter. Just as you did with potty training, set boundaries early and follow them. Soon your new puppy will learn to control those little shark teeth!

Check out my article on puppy nipping. There’s some really good tips on helping your puppy through the teething process to puppy biting.

Happy training!

Do you have a dog or puppy training question? Ask the dog trainer!

How to Park Your Dog

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Train Your Dog to Stay

Train Your Dog to Stay

As a professional dog trainer, if I had to narrow down the top behavior all dogs should know, I would say parking your dog would be the first one! Trust me, “Come When Called” is probably right up there with “Park Your Dog.” However, this behavior will teach your dog to stay with you.

 “Park Your Dog” is a great way to bring your dog’s arousal level down. It’s like taking a yoga breath for your dog.

Why Should I “Park My Dog”?

“Park Your Dog” is a great way to bring your dog’s arousal level down. It’s like taking a “yoga breath” for your dog. Use this dog behavior when your dog becomes overwhelmed by visitors or anything, really! When teaching hyperactive dogs to be calm, many folks ask them to sit still. This is tough, as they are learning how to manage their extra energy and excitement. So next time your dog tries to jump on guests, “park your dog.”

Just by teaching your dog this simple behavior, your dog will learn

  • Self control (teaching your hyper dog to relax)
  • Polite greetings of people (not to jump on people or you)
  • Polite leash manners (not pull on the leash)
  • Ignore other dogs
  • Stay with you
  • Prevent excessive barking

How do I teach “Park Your Dog”?

  1. Step on your leash (about half way up to your dog, your dog should have 3 feet of extra leash).
  2. Click and treat your dog the instant the leash becomes loose. Tip: instead of watching your dog, feel when the leash tightens and loosens under your feet. The moment you feel slack in the leash, Click and treat!
  3. That’s it! Bingo, you are rewarding calm and quiet behavior!

Additional Troubleshooting:

  • Dog still jumps up on you, shorten the leash.
  • Dog continues to pull on leash, your timing is probably off a bit.  Click/treat every time the leash is loose.
  • My dog is still pulling, then call their name and click/treat five times in a row.  Now you have their attention, so keep their attention by rewarding frequently.

VIDEO: How to Teach “Park Your Dog”

When can you park your dog?

  • While talking to someone at the park
  • Having guests over
  • Outdoor dining
  • Paying at the pet store or vet’s office
  • During group class lecture, we ask pet parents to “park their dog” while listening to instructions

I want to hear from you! When should you park your dog?

Come When Called Part 1: Intro

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How to Train Your Dog to Come to You

Come When Called
Bigandt/Deposit Photos

Does your dog ignore you and run off? View part 1 of our “Come When Called” series, which will teach you how to:

  • Perform an emergency recall
  • Call your dog indoors from the backyard
  • Call your dog back to you around distractions (squirrels, etc.)
  • Teach multiple dogs to come back to you
  • Fun games

Directions

  • View first video and practice homework for seven days.
  • View second video and practice homework for seven days.
  • View third video and practice homework for seven days.
  • View fourth, and final, video.

Each video contains tons of information, so rewind and watch several times. Bookmark for easy future reference.

What you will need:

Note: Always enroll your dog in a group dog training class. This video should not be used in place of dog training class attendance.

WATCH: Come When Called Part 1: Intro

NEXT: Come When Called Part 2: Adding Distance to “Come” Cue

Adopting a Rescue Dog

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Rescue Dog

Rescue DogCongrats! There is nothing like the feeling of bringing home a rescue dog even if you’re fostering or he’s found his forever home. 🙂

While most rescue dogs have a past, they can still learn quickly so it’s vital to be prepared. It’s time to prepare for your new arrival. Read the best dog training books for rescue dogs!

Read Before Adopting a Rescue Dog

“Successful Dog Adoption”
by Sue Sternberg

It’s so important to be paired with a dog that will fit right into your home. All dogs are individuals, just like people, so learn which dog personality fits best with your lifestyle. Trust me, I’ve seen dogs mismatched with their owners in the past. I’ve watched high energy dogs paired with sedentary family members, which is not fair to the family or the dog. High energy dogs would love a running buddy so finding a highly active home would be a match made in heaven!

Now, most adopter coordinators are pretty skilled at pairing personalities, but I’ve also seen some major blunders. Reading this book before beginning the adoption process will help narrow down which personality fits your home best. Then, you’ll learn how to locate this personality among other rescue dogs, which is the hard part.

Put the time into research now. One study has shown people put more time into researching the best DVR than a dog, which is a living entity. Bring this book with you to the shelter and reference as needed.

Best Dog Training Books

“When Pigs Fly – Training Success with Impossible Dogs”
by Jane Killion
&
“On Talking Terms with Dogs – Calming Signals (2nd Edition)”
by Turid Rugaas

“When Pigs Fly” is beautifully written with lots of tips and tricks for dogs with a past. You’ll learn how to teach your rescue dog polite behaviors using positive reinforcement and how to laugh at mistakes. This is probably one of my favorite books!

I still recommend enrolling in a dog training group class, especially within two weeks of bringing your rescue home. Group class provides plenty of learning moments with a professional dog trainer. Plus, you and your dog will develop a deeper bond as you’re both working as a team.

Prepare for a 90-day transition for your rescue dog to decompress and learn your lifestyle. You’re learning about your rescue dog’s needs and personality, making “On Talking Terms with Dogs” invaluable. Many clients have said, “If only dogs could talk.” Well this book is as close as you can get! You’ll learn what your dog is trying to tell you and how to ensure he is comfortable. Think of this book as a translator. 🙂

Best Book on Socialization

“Out and About with Your Dog – Dog to Dog Interactions on the Street, on the Trails, and in the Dog Park”
by Sue Sternberg

Sue Sternberg is one of the best at interpreting dog body language, and this book explains dog to dog interactions in easy-to-read terms. Lately, I’ve noticed a huge upswing of pet parents assuming socialization means their dogs must meet other dogs. Trust me, that is not true. You will not be a bad pet parent if you don’t allow your dog to meet every dog within a 50-mile radius. That is taking socialization to the extreme. Extreme socialization is the #1 reason for dog aggression.

So what should you do if someone else walks over with his rude dog to meet your dog? Stop, stand between the dog and your dog, turn and walk the other way. As you turn away, say, “Sorry, we’re training right now,” so no one’s feeling are hurt. 🙂

It’s your turn. What dog training books do you recommend for rescue dogs?

READ ALSO: Best Dog Training Books

New Puppy

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Puppy Training Books
Read only the best dog training books for new puppies!

Puppy Training Books

New puppy pet parents must have the best dog training books for new puppies!

Time is limited, especially if you work and have a new puppy. Sprinkle in children, and basically there is no time left! So I have two puppy book recommendations and both are packed with really good information and tips.

Of course, it’s vital to enroll your puppy in a group class. Having really good books to reference when questions pop up is pretty nice too! I recommend both books to pet parents enrolled in my group classes, as both books are invaluable.

I’m pretty picky about dog training books and I only recommend the very best so both are Fanna-approved. 🙂

Must Have New Puppy Book

“Puppy Start Right – Foundation Training for the Companion Dog”
by Dr. Kenneth Martin and Debbie Martin

Dr. Kenneth Martin is a veterinarian and board certified in animal behavior. Debbie Martin is his wife and a certified vet technician with a strong background in animal behavior as well. These two are a dynamic duo in animal behavior and solve tough behavior cases daily within their practice.

Dr. and Mrs. Martin strongly encourage enrolling your puppy in a group class, as socialization funnel is open until 16 weeks of age. In their book, you’ll learn how to positively socialize your puppy, predict and solve normal puppy behaviors, puppy development, understanding body language, and how to use a clicker to teach behaviors. Each behavior is explained step-by-step with photos for further explanation.

This book is considered one of the best dog training books out there and I completely agree!

Highly Recommended Reading

“Out and About with Your Dog – Dog to Dog Interactions on the Street, on the Trails, and in the Dog Park”
by Sue Sternberg

Sue Sternberg is one of the best at interpreting dog body language, and this books explains dog to dog interactions in easy-to-read terms. Lately, I’ve noticed a huge upswing of pet parents assuming socialization means your puppy must meet other dogs, but that is not true. Learn about extreme socialization and its fallouts in my article here.

If someone does walk over to your puppy with his dog, make sure to stand between your puppy and the dog and walk away.

It’s your turn. What are the best dog training books for new puppies?

READ ALSO: Dogs and Children
Dog Training Nation is a dog training blog for pet owners and dog lovers. We cover a range of topics from puppy socialization tips to dog aggression to dog health. It is our hope you share our content to make the world a better place for dogs.

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