Many pet owners often encounter problems with their pets biting. So how exactly can they train their pets to stop this behavior? A female netizen shared her experience online about how her dog would bite family members whenever they left the house. After consulting a veterinarian and practicing daily, she noticed a gradual decrease in her dog's dependency on the family and some progress in behavior.
The woman posted on the Dcard forum explaining that whenever someone in the household was about to leave, the dog would bite. Although the dog did not bite strangers when outside, it had suffered a serious illness as a puppy. Because of this, the family spoiled the dog, treating it like a little "tyrant" at home. Over time, some bad habits accumulated. Besides lunging when going out and showing strong hostility to strangers, the biggest concern was separation anxiety. The dog would bark and bite when family members left, often leaving them injured.
The original poster expressed regret for not training the dog properly when it was younger, as it became harder to teach the dog as it aged. However, after researching online and visiting a vet, she started daily training sessions that gradually increased in duration. The goal was to help the dog get used to being alone. Positive reinforcement was also applied—whenever the dog didn't overreact upon departure, it was immediately praised to help it understand that this behavior was good. This approach helped reduce the dog's dependence on the family members.
Besides following the vet's recommendations, the poster also purchased calming supplements to help the dog avoid staying in a constant state of tension. After three months of effort, although the vet admitted it was difficult to train an older dog, she felt there had been some improvement. She hoped the dog would no longer suffer anxiety from loneliness.
The post resonated with many netizens who wished her luck and shared their own dog-raising experiences. Comments included, "Such a dedicated owner, and you even took your dog to a behavioral clinic. Wishing you all the best," "Keep it up! Progress is progress," and, "I understand how you feel. My dog was abandoned by someone and is very sensitive to outside noises. No matter where I go, she follows."
Other netizens shared training tips and insights into dog emotions. They pointed out that dogs can sense their owner's emotions, so it's important for the owner to stay calm when preparing to leave. Crate training was recommended as it helps dogs feel secure, and starting this training early is ideal, though adult dogs can still benefit from it. Providing a safe, cozy spot for the dog can also reduce symptoms of separation anxiety.
How to Train Pets That Bite
Many households with pets often encounter the problem of their pets biting people. So, how exactly should we train them to prevent this behavior?
Understanding Why Pets Bite
Pets may bite for various reasons, such as fear, anxiety, or simply playing. Understanding the cause is the first step in addressing the issue effectively.
Effective Training Techniques
- Positive Reinforcement: Reward your pet when they behave calmly and gently.
- Consistent Commands: Use clear, consistent commands to teach boundaries.
- Redirect Biting: Provide chew toys to direct biting away from people.
- Socialization: Gradually expose your pet to different people and environments to reduce anxiety.
- Professional Help: If biting persists, consider consulting an animal trainer or veterinarian.
Patience and Persistence
Training takes time and patience. Consistency in your efforts will gradually help your pet learn to control biting and become a well-behaved companion.
