Many dog owners try to correct their puppy's bad habit of biting by loudly shouting in pain to stop the puppy from continuing. However, this method is actually ineffective. On the contrary, puppies may find the owner's reaction amusing and bite even more frequently, creating a vicious cycle.
Puppies naturally like to explore new things using their mouths during this stage. They also chew to relieve the discomfort caused by teething. Many puppies will also bite their owners' hands or feet to attract attention.
Despite being a common behavior, biting is a bad habit that must be corrected. If left unaddressed, the dog is more likely to develop serious behavioral issues such as biting and aggression as it matures.
Many people attempt to stop their puppy's biting by shouting negative phrases like "That hurts!" Although this method can temporarily stop the biting, it only suppresses the puppy's actions through intimidation. The puppy does not truly understand what it did wrong.
This approach not only fails to help build a positive relationship between owner and pet, but it also damages the trust between them. Consequently, more time and effort will be required to rebuild that trust later on.
The ideal way to correct biting is to avoid letting puppies bite your hands or feet during play. But if biting does occur, it is most important to stay calm and avoid provoking the puppy further. Although "staying calm" sounds simple, many owners find it difficult to do.
After calming down, the next step is to move your hand out of the puppy's sight and avoid using your hands to play with the puppy anymore. To prevent similar situations in the future, it's helpful to provide chewing toys that satisfy the puppy's need to bite and to guide them in a positive and gentle way.
This approach encourages healthy and happy growth for your puppy. If you are currently struggling with your puppy's biting or want to prevent it early on, it is recommended to seek advice and guidance from professionals.
