Biting & Mouthing

1. Biting & Mouthing MOUTHING/BITING Dogs bite, that is the kind of animal a dog is. When an adult dog really wants to attack, it can bite five times in seven-tenths of a second. It is capable of breaking bones, tearing muscles and inflicting fatal injuries. A full force bite is extremely dangerous. Most dogs as a result of playing with other dogs and mouthing people, learn to moderate the force of their jaw. This is called “Bite Inhibition” learning to bite more gently. BITE INHIBITION When puppies play with each other they are learning what is and isn’t socially acceptable. If a puppy bites its playmate too hard play stops. Next time the puppy doesn’t bite so hard thus it learns to be less aggressive in social interactions. This can be taken a step further if a pup is biting/mouthing its owner. Any such biting should be discouraged now, even when pup is very young otherwise it will continue when it is an adult with stronger teeth. TEACHING BITE INHIBITION Adults should only do this exercise. However if a pup is biting children at home then perhaps an adult could do this with the child standing by their side. Take the pup to a small room like the laundry/toilet. Make sure there are no toys or objects that the pup could play with in there. Initiate a mouthing game with the pup and the moment he bites, “yelp” or say “ouch” loudly and immediately leave the room. This is similar treatment the puppy would receive from other litter mates if he was to bite hard. Leave the pup alone for a few minutes. When you let the pup out ignore him at first and only initiate contact when you are ready. This may need to be repeated up to 10 times in a day till the pup has the message that biting is not allowed.