If you’re a new puppy owner, you’re likely more than familiar with the cute and cuddly side of your furry friend. However, as your pup begins to grow and explore their surroundings, you may notice the not-so-cute habit of puppy biting. While there are countless tips and techniques out there for stopping puppy biting, many of them may not be as effective as you think. It’s time to forget what you’ve been told and discover the truth about how to stop puppy biting once and for all.
Trying To Stop Puppy Biting? Forget What You’ve Been Told.
Are you struggling with your puppy who keeps biting everything and everyone in sight? You might have been told to discourage playtime activities like tug of war in hopes it will reduce biting, but this advice can actually make the problem worse. In fact, playing tug can help stop puppy biting.
As a puppy owner, it’s important to provide opportunities for your puppy to develop their physical, mental, and emotional abilities. One great way to do this is by incorporating tug of war games into your routine. In this article, we’ll go over why playing tug is beneficial for your puppy, how to choose the right toys, and how to teach your puppy proper biting training.
Benefits of Playing Tug
Builds Leadership Skills
During a game of tug, your puppy has the chance to practice important leadership skills. You can use the game as an opportunity to work on your puppy’s obedience training. Start by teaching your puppy to release the toy on command and reinforce this behavior with treats. This technique helps establish your leadership role and strengthens the bond between you and your puppy.
Provides Exercise
Playing tug can also tire your puppy out both physically and mentally. It’s a great way to keep them active and engaged while indoors or on a rainy day. Keep in mind that puppies have shorter attention spans, so make sure to keep the game short, but frequent.
Reduces Biting Habit
Contrary to popular belief, playing tug can actually help reduce your puppy’s biting habit. During tug games, your puppy learns how to regulate the force of their bite. If they bite too hard, the game stops, and they learn that it’s not okay. You can also incorporate a command like “gentle” to teach your puppy to temper their bite force, further solidifying their understanding of proper biting training.
Choosing the Right Puppy Toys
When it comes to playing tug, it’s important to choose the right type of toy. Soft rope toys, rubber toys, or fleece toys are great for tug games. Avoid using metal or hard plastic toys that can damage your puppy’s teeth. Also, make sure the toy is large enough for you to grab it without your puppy accidentally biting your fingers.
Proper Biting Training
Even though dogs naturally use their mouths to explore their surroundings, it’s important to teach your puppy to be careful when biting. You don’t want your puppy biting house members, guests, or even children playing nearby.
Start by teaching your puppy to “leave it” or “drop it” commands, complimenting them with a treat when they follow successfully. When playing tug, reward your puppy for being gentle and releasing the toy on command. If your puppy bites too hard, stop playing the game immediately and redirect their attention to a chew toy or another activity.
Personalized Support at McCann Dogs
If you’re struggling with biting training or other puppy behavior issues, McCann Dogs offers a Puppy Essentials program for personalized support. For older pups, their Life Skills program is also available for dogs over 5 months old. Additionally, McCann Puppy Toys are available for purchase to help facilitate playtime activities like tug.
Conclusion
Playing tug can be beneficial for your puppy’s physical and mental development, as well as a key component in biting training. Incorporating the right type of toy and teaching your puppy proper biting training techniques can help discourage biting behavior. Remember to keep playtime sessions short but frequent and to praise and reward your puppy for good behavior.
FAQs
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Is playing tug safe for all puppies?
Yes, playing tug can be safe for puppies as long as you use the right type of toy and monitor your puppy’s behavior during playtime. -
Should I avoid playing tug if my puppy already bites excessively?
No, playing tug can actually help reduce excessive biting by teaching your puppy to regulate the force of their bite. -
How can I choose the right type of toy for my puppy’s tug game?
Choose a soft rope, rubber, or fleece toy that is large enough for you to grab without your puppy accidentally biting your fingers. Avoid metal or hard plastic toys that can damage your puppy’s teeth. -
Can McCann Dogs help with puppy behavior issues?
Yes, McCann Dogs offers both Puppy Essentials and Life Skills programs for personalized support with puppy behavior issues. -
Where can I listen to McCann Dogs podcasts?
McCann Dogs podcasts are available on multiple platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.