How To Stop Your Puppy From Biting & Chewing
Table of Contents
Introduction
Welcoming a new doodle puppy into your home is an exciting experience filled with love, joy, and sometimes, a bit of frustration when they start nipping and chewing on everything in sight. But fear not! With the right approach and a little patience, you can teach your doodle puppy appropriate chewing habits and curb those biting behaviors. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into effective strategies to help you stop your doodle puppy from biting and chewing, ensuring a harmonious and happy life together.
Understanding Puppy Biting and Chewing:
Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to understand why doodle puppies bite and chew in the first place. Puppies explore the world around them with their mouths, much like human babies do with their hands. Additionally, puppies go through a teething phase, during which chewing helps alleviate discomfort. Biting is also a natural behavior during play, as puppies interact and establish boundaries with their littermates. However, when directed towards humans or household items, biting and chewing can become problematic behaviors that need to be addressed.
The Problem:
Dog bites are no joke. Beyond the initial pain, they can pose serious risks, especially around children and pets. Even if your puppy doesn’t bite people or other pets, they can still wreak havoc on your belongings if not trained properly.
While play biting in puppies may seem harmless, it’s crucial to nip this behavior in the bud early on. Otherwise, you might find yourself dealing with a larger, more destructive problem down the line.
The Solution:
So what can you do? What steps to take to make training easier and keep your dog happier?
Discover how to prevent destructive behaviors and safeguard your dog’s health.
Here are our top 10 tips to discourage excessive chewing and biting in your puppy.
#1 - Provide Appropriate Chew Toys:
One of the most effective ways to redirect your doodle puppy’s chewing behavior is by offering a variety of appropriate chew toys. Look for toys specifically designed for teething puppies, such as rubber toys or nylon bones. These toys are durable and safe for your puppy to chew on, helping to satisfy their natural urge to gnaw while sparing your furniture and belongings from damage.
#2 - Use Positive Reinforcement:
Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in puppy training. Whenever you catch your doodle puppy chewing on their toys instead of inappropriate items, be sure to praise and reward them with treats. Positive reinforcement helps reinforce good behavior and encourages your puppy to continue making the right choices. Conversely, avoid scolding or punishing your puppy for chewing on the wrong things, as this can create fear and confusion.
#3 - Be Consistent:
Consistency is key when it comes to training your doodle puppy. Make sure everyone in the household is on the same page and follows the same rules regarding chewing behavior. If you allow your puppy to chew on a shoe one day but scold them for it the next, they’ll become confused about what’s acceptable. Consistently redirect your puppy’s attention to their toys whenever they start chewing on something they shouldn’t.
#4 - Use Deterrents:
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your doodle puppy may continue to show interest in chewing on forbidden items. In such cases, you can use taste deterrents to discourage them from chewing. These bitter-tasting sprays can be applied to furniture, shoes, or other objects your puppy likes to chew on, making them less appealing. Over time, your puppy will learn to associate those items with an unpleasant taste and avoid them altogether.
#5 - Provide Supervision:
Supervision is essential, especially during the early stages of training. Keep a close eye on your doodle puppy, especially when they’re out of their crate or playpen and have access to the rest of the house. If you can’t supervise them directly, consider using baby gates or puppy-proofing certain areas to limit their access to potential chewing hazards. Supervision allows you to intervene and redirect your puppy’s behavior before they cause any damage.
#6 - Keep Training Sessions Short and Fun:
Training sessions should be short, frequent, and enjoyable for both you and your doodle puppy. Aim for multiple short sessions throughout the day rather than one long session. Keep the mood light and positive, incorporating plenty of praise, treats, and playtime. By making training sessions fun and engaging, you’ll keep your puppy motivated and eager to learn.
#7 - Teach Bite Inhibition:
Bite inhibition is the ability for a dog to control the force of their bite, a crucial skill for all dogs to learn. When playing with your doodle puppy, if they bite too hard, let out a high-pitched yelp to mimic the sound of a puppy in pain. This signals to your puppy that their bite was too rough, and they should adjust their pressure. If your puppy continues to bite, end the play session temporarily to teach them that biting too hard results in the end of fun.
#8 - Exercise and Mental Stimulation:
A tired puppy is a well-behaved puppy. Make sure your doodle puppy gets plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day. Regular walks, play sessions, and interactive toys help burn off excess energy and keep your puppy entertained. A mentally and physically stimulated puppy is less likely to engage in destructive chewing out of boredom or frustration.
#9 - Address Teething Discomfort:
During the teething phase, your doodle puppy’s gums may be sore and tender, leading to an increased desire to chew. Provide your puppy with appropriate teething toys or chilled washcloths to soothe their gums and alleviate discomfort. Avoid giving them items that are too hard or could damage their teeth. Additionally, consider freezing certain toys or treats to provide extra relief for your teething puppy.
#10 - Seek Professional Help if Needed:
If despite your best efforts, your doodle puppy’s biting and chewing behaviors persist or worsen, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can provide personalized guidance and training strategies tailored to your puppy’s specific needs. With their expertise and support, you can address any underlying issues and work towards a solution that promotes harmony and mutual respect between you and your puppy.
In Conclusion:
Stopping your doodle puppy from biting and chewing requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. By providing appropriate chew toys, using positive reinforcement techniques, and addressing any underlying issues, you can help your puppy develop into a well-behaved and well-adjusted adult dog.
Remember to be patient and persistent, and celebrate each small victory along the way. With dedication and love, you and your doodle puppy can build a strong bond based on mutual trust and respect, paving the way for a happy and harmonious life together.
