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How to Stop My Dog From Biting

A very common issue that most of the dog owners face is that of a biting pet. There are various reasons as to why your dog will bite an animal or other human being. The dog will do such a thing because it is scared and is biting in defense. For some dogs biting means demonstration of dominance and they do this to surface their anger. Pets also practice what we call “play-biting” wherein the dog is only trying to share affection. A bad Dog bite can inflict great suffering; whether the recipient is a human or animal. Here are 5 quality tips on how to stop your dog from biting.

Understanding Why Dogs Bite

Some dogs bite out of fear. Even domestic pets under threatening situations can turn aggressive and snap when the survival instinct kicks in. While dogs are usually pleasant by temperament, at times an uncanny situation can revive the self-protection instinct and cause the dog to bite. In order to stop fear biting it’s very important to show affection and develop self-confidence in the dog by bonding well.

How to Stop a Dog From Biting

1 . Communication

Communication is a key element for training dogs. So if you want to train your dog to stop biting, communicate to your dog in its own language. Dogs don’t really understand the meaning of the words you say but rather the tone of your voice. When the dog bites during play, instead of using a shout or angry voice, try yelping. Yelping will show your dog that you are in pain and that will encourage your dog to refrain from biting. If your dog bites you, using a high-pitched “ouch” will do the trick. When you use this technique, be sure to stop all play immediately and turn your back on the dog. Tone and body language is extremely vital to a dog. After a while, your dog will come around to you and when he does, reprimand him in a firm tone with a command such as “bad dog” or “don’t bite” and he will quickly get the idea.

2. Making a Noise When Biting

Many pet owners provide toys and games to their dogs to play with. Little do they realize that when they practice a tussle with their pets, they are actually motivating it to bite. This gives them the misconception that it is okay to be aggressive and bite. Sometimes the dog will playfully bite you or snap at you. Whenever this happens it’s important to verbally warn the dog by making a loud noise. This will break the series of behavior and he will then understand that it’s incorrect to bite while playing.This warning strategy can also be used on adult pets. You need to roar out loud when your dog tries to snap at you. Following this show some strictness and do not pamper your pet. This will alert your dog about the scenario and that his actions are undesirable.

3. Use a Muzzle

If your pet isn’t fully trained, then its best to cover the dogs mouth with a muzzle. This is done for protection sake particularly if you have kids around the house or are taking your dog out for a walk. Also if you have guests coming to your place then using a muzzle around the mouth is the best way to avoid any risk of attacks.

4. Ingredients That Can Help Stop Biting

A great way to stop your dog from biting is by using aversive substances like bitter apples on areas that your dog usually nips at. This will associate biting with foul taste and hence vary your dog of biting. Whenever the dog will bite or strike on something, the very first thought that will come to him is that of the foul taste. Thus the dog will avoid any of such actions.

5. Follow and Enforce Consequences of Biting

If you will not enforce consequences for biting, then your dog will probably think that it’s okay to bite once in a while. If you pamper your pet even after he is biting you bad then you are only letting him follow this behavior. So whenever you pup behaves in this way then make a set of consequences and be sure to follow them strictly.

6. Do Not Play Aggressively So As To Prevent Biting

Playing can be fun with your canine companion, however if the games are a bit aggressive then these will actually motivate him to bite. Activities like tug-o-war and play fighting can make your dog think that play biting is fun and okay to do. Teach your dog the “drop and release” commands so that your authority is never questioned. Do not show interest in your dog if this happens. It is really important to make the dog feel that it’s inappropriate to bite like this.

7. Tap the Nose

If your dog begins to bite or nip, quickly tell him to sit. Once he is seated, take your index finger, hold it in front of his nose, and tap him on the nose as you say “no, bad dog” in a stern voice. Just remember, the tap itself is not the punishment, so it should not be particularly strong or harsh. Its just meant as a startling element to encourage him to stop the bad behavior. Do not scream at your dog, just use a stern tone and your dog will understand. Eventually, your dog will come to understand the raising of an index finger as an indication to stop biting.

Managing a biting dog at the beginning stages can be really difficult however if this is not checked early then the dog will go on to make this a regular habit which will have nasty consequences for you and other people or animals around. Starting off early and training the dog well, will ensure that your dog will not grow into an aggressive biter as an adult dog. Cutting down this habit can be more of a challenge but following the tips stated above can make the whole process a lot simpler.