Biting/Mouthing
Puppies explore their world with their mouths so it is natural for them to bite/mouth not only objects but you, your family members and even other animals in the home as well. Some do this more than others and some can be quite intense with this behavior. This does not mean you have an aggressive puppy so don't despair!
It is important that you correct this behavior immediately, consistently and teach them what is appropriate to chew on. It is also important that the WHOLE family follow through with the same training.
The most effective way I have found to correct the behavior is by grabbing their lower jaw with your thumb in their mouth under the tongue and hold it firmly while telling the pup ‘NO BITE’! The pup will not be able to move because you have control over their head and this is quite uncomfortable for them. You are only trying to cause it to be uncomfortable not hurt them. Once you have corrected them offer an appropriate toy or treat to chew on. They will learn quickly if you and your family are consistent with this and all training.
Around four months old your puppy will also begin to lose their deciduous teeth (baby teeth) and their adult teeth will begin to come in, so you may see an increase in chewing.
To help them through this period here are a few ideas:
It is important that you correct this behavior immediately, consistently and teach them what is appropriate to chew on. It is also important that the WHOLE family follow through with the same training.
The most effective way I have found to correct the behavior is by grabbing their lower jaw with your thumb in their mouth under the tongue and hold it firmly while telling the pup ‘NO BITE’! The pup will not be able to move because you have control over their head and this is quite uncomfortable for them. You are only trying to cause it to be uncomfortable not hurt them. Once you have corrected them offer an appropriate toy or treat to chew on. They will learn quickly if you and your family are consistent with this and all training.
Around four months old your puppy will also begin to lose their deciduous teeth (baby teeth) and their adult teeth will begin to come in, so you may see an increase in chewing.
To help them through this period here are a few ideas:
- Freezing some of their toys such as a Kong filled with peanut butter/yogurt mixture will help relieve the discomfort.
- Freeze a pumpkin yogurt mixture (half/half) in ice cube trays to give them to chew on.
- Freeze a fresh femur bone, the marrow is good for them and the bone will keep them busy. Make sure you don’t use small bones as they can get lodged in their throats and wedged in their mouths. I use at least a 6 inch bone for puppies.
