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Chewing and biting are natural behaviors that we don't aim to stop, but instead find healthy and safe alternatives, while they learn manners and self-control.
Licking and chewing are naturally calming behaviors, so we actually want to encourage these behaviors, but again, on appropriate and safe items.
The rule is No teeth on people, period!
Not even "gentle, playful, harmless or mouthing" as this sends a very conflicting and even frustrating message.
Prevention is key!
When your pup approaches you, you should always have a long/large toy in hand and ask for a sit before they have a chance to use their teeth (which is completely natural and normal play behavior for puppies).
Don't try to pet, touch or pick up your pup when they're in a hyper or playful state, use toys or treat lures on the floor during these times, and use hands to pet only during calm moments.
Always have a toy in your hand when interacting with pups under 6 months of age (especially when children are interacting with pup!) so they have a safe place to put their teeth when interacting with us humans. Always use SLOW HANDS when approaching pup and avoid touching their face/head when they're in a hyper/mouthy mood.
Think of the times of day or situations when pup is most likely to escalate to out-of-control biting and be prepared with a favorite squeak or tug toy to toss away from you and allow them to play fetch or tug of war. If it gets out of control, lure them with toys or a treat trail on the floor leading to their confinement place for a cool-down with treats, toys, and a chew stick to help with teething discomfort.
Any time a dog puts their teeth on a person or another animal, it's still considered a bite.
However, bites are categorized by levels and some are normal/common and easily avoidable through training. Sometimes, the level is dangerous and requires serious one-on-one training and long-term rehabilitation.
BITING INTERVENTION PLAN- The idea is to teach them proper human interactions and what is OK to use their teeth on and what is not, they really have no idea the difference. So these steps allow for opportunities for them to learn, while also minimizing the escalation of biting.
When your pup is using their teeth on anyone for any reason (gentle or not), you must:
1) Immediately stop playing, stand up, look away, and take your hands away, disengage completely.
Don't talk to, look at or touch them (all forms of attention!). This means don't say "No!", "Ouch!", "Get off!", "No bite!" or attempt to push the puppy off of you, or grab their mouth, or touch them in any way. Wait a few seconds.
If they have stopped biting, ask for a sit and invite them to play with you nicely by offering a long tug toy, or tossing a squeaky toy or ball.
2) If the biting continues, you must immediately toss a treat and toy away from you to entice them to give you space without touching them.
Then allow them to play by themselves or come back to you where they must sit and play with you nicely.
3) If the biting still continues walk away and leave the area for 30 seconds or so. Make sure to give them something appropriate to chew on in the meantime. A teething toy or bully stick is helpful.
This is where having a baby gate to walk over and separate yourselves is perfect!
4) If they are biting your pants/feet/legs/clothes/hands/arms as you walk away or at any other time, you must grab a very high-value treat (tiny hot dog pieces, cheese, cooked chicken, or lunch meat cubes for example- saved for these high-intensity moments), a toy and walk to their confinement area, toss in the treat/toy and entice them to go in without touching them. Increase the value of the treats or toys if necessary and make a breadcrumb trail from you to the opening of the confinement area. Close the door and let them have a 15-minute time out to wind down. Let them have something to chew/lick during this time, as these actions will help to calm a rowdy pup!
Biting will decrease the more you follow the biting intervention plan!
TOY BOMBS! When you enter a room with your pup, drop a pile of toys (3 or 4 different types) on the floor and say "Get 'em!!!" This should entice pup to grab one to play with INSTEAD of biting you, going to find naughty stuff to chew on, or engaging in attention-seeking nuisance behaviors like jumping on or barking at you.
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