How to Stop Your Dog From Biting

It is an unfortunate fact that many problems withyou are the leader of the pack, you will show him
regard to dog biting are not handled properly or aredominance in your behavior, but always in a calm and
just ignored. As dogs mature in age, dog biting canhumane way.
become more serious and many dogs whoThis is not as tricky as it sounds. Many dog trainers
aggressively bite someone are euthanized at the dogwill inquire as to who eats first, you or your dog. If
pound .you feed your dog first, a simple change that has
However this can be avoided if dog biting ishim waiting for his food until you are finished eating
addressed early and the root cause of the dog bitingwill start to reset the order of dominance in the pack
is understood.in your dog's mind..
Biting is a form of dominance that dogs use in theirOnce a dog is fully matured, dog biting can approach
normal pack relationships. A dog who bites anotherits most serious stage. The dog has now firmly
dog is seeking submission from the other dog and anestablished in his own mind that fact that he is in
acknowledgement of pack hierarchy.charge. If you do anything that is not pleasing to the
When you adopt a dog you and the dog are nowdog, it is almost an imperative for him to bite you
part of his pack. The dog sees you as a packand teach you a lesson as to who's the boss.
member even though you are human.After all, the dog is now firmly in charge of the pack
When you adopt a puppy and dog biting is noticed atand you are just a subordinate. Get back in line
this early stage of life, they will often nip or mouthprivate, barked the sergeant-major !
you or others in your family. The puppy is trying toThese are the cases where dogs are dumped,
resolve his position in his new pack .While this mayabandoned, given away or euthanized at dog
seem cute at first it must be discouraged. If youshelters.
allow the puppy to bite, even gently, he will believeYet, even at this stage all is not lost. A qualified dog
that he is the dominant member of the pack. As hetrainer can help you regain dominance of the pack
grows older his biting may well become more seriousand of the dog. A new pecking order is necessary.
as he asserts his dog pack dominance by biting andThe sergeant -major must be demoted to buck
possibly injuring you or another member of theprivate and you must become a 5 Star General in the
family.pack. This will be accomplished by modifying a range
There are many ways to stop your pup from biting.of behaviors under the guidance and supervision of
Some trainers believe that using your hand to mimicthe dog trainer.
a dog bite to the scruff of the neck will send theIt will take time , but in the end a new life and
message that you are the one in charge of the pack.relationship await you and your dog. The best idea,
Others believe that a firm "no" will send the messageof course, is to preclude dog biting from getting to
that dog biting by a puppy is unacceptable.this serious stage. Address dog biting early.
As a puppy gets a bit older, play biting will continue inStop your puppy from "mouthing" and your young
intensity that which was started as puppy dogdog from play biting. If you need any help, see a dog
mouthing while he was very young. When a youngtrainer. Many places hold group lessons and may be
dog commences play biting he is telling you that he isable to help you. Even if their dog trainers can't work
in charge and you have better start falling in line.with the level of dog biting issue you are confronting,
As with the case of the new young puppy, this playthey can point you in the right direction top get
biting by your dog must not be tolerated. Dogcontrol of your dog and to stop his biting for his own
trainers have indicated that it is time to teach thegood and the safety of your family and others.
dog his position in the pack. He should be taught that