Ways to Stop Your Puppy from Biting and Chewing
PHOTO BY TANYA GORELOVA ON PEXELS
Puppies often explore their world through their mouths, leading to unwanted biting and chewing. To stop your puppy from biting and chewing, provide plenty of appropriate toys and engage them in regular playtime.
By redirecting their energy and curiosity, you can minimize these behaviors and help them learn better habits. Keep reading for tips and techniques to create a happier and more peaceful home.
Provide Chew Toys
Providing chew toys is a great way to redirect your puppy’s biting and chewing behavior. Some toy options to consider include rubber toys, rope toys, and Nylabones.
Rotate the toys regularly to keep your puppy interested. Choose toys appropriate for your puppy’s size and chewing strength to prevent choking hazards.
Stay attentive to wear and tear, replacing toys as needed for safety.
Here are some options you can choose from:
Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for training your puppy. Reward good behavior with treats, praise, or playtime to encourage them not to bite or chew.
This approach builds trust and strengthens your bond with your puppy. When they realize that good behavior leads to rewards, they’re more likely to repeat it.
Watch this video for an interesting take on positive reinforcement:
Teach ‘No’ or ‘Leave It’ Command
Teaching your puppy the commands “No” or “Leave It” is vital for curbing unwanted biting and chewing. Remember to use a firm tone when saying the command.
As soon as your pup stops the unwanted action, praise them or give them a treat. This encourages them to associate stopping with positive outcomes.
Practice in various environments to help your puppy generalize the command. Over time, they’ll learn to understand what “No” or “Leave It” means.
Here’s one adorable dog knowing the “Leave It” command:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/U_jIIj83Si4
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