Puppy biting and nipping

Do you have a mini alligator at home? here’s how to get those teeth off your skin and onto more appropriate things.

Puppy nipping is a common behavior among youngsters. It involves nibbling on your hands and fingers most often when you play with or try to pet your puppy. This should not be confused with aggression, this behavior is simply puppies being puppies and needing to be taught some manners.  Read on to learn how to curb your puppy’s nipping habit.

Sticky Fingers
When your puppy nibbles on your hand gently hold onto the bottom jaw just until your pup tries to move away (max. a few seconds) then let go. The idea is to make the puppy think that nipping causes your fingers to “stick” in his mouth. This should be a GENTLE hold. No scolding or talking needed. You don’t want to scare your puppy or to make him wary of your hands, you only want to get your point across that nipping creates Sticky Fingers. Most puppies learn quickly how to avoid that. Be sure to give your pup an alternative acceptable behavior afterward such as sitting or holding a toy and praise him calmly for doing so. You have to give your pup both pieces of the picture, what behavior you want to see as well as what you don’t. Both are equally as important.

Spritz and Spray
Binnaca mouth spray is often quite effective at stopping pups from nipping. Simply keep the spray in your pocket and the moment your puppy nips you spritz a little the corner of his mouth. Say nothing, look just as shocked as he is and then go about your business. He’ll get the picture.

The key with either of these techniques is to be consistent. You must follow through every single time your puppy nips for it to be effective. If you allow nipping sometimes but not others then you will only confuse your puppy.