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Play Biting Intervention Plan
Chewing and biting are natural behaviors that we don't aim to stop, but instead find healthy and safe alternatives for, while they learn manners and self-control.
The rule is No teeth on people, period! We will teach them the "gentle" cue, this will help them learn some bite inhibition- how to control the strength of their biting and gain more control of their mouth. Get all household members on board!
Prevention is key! When your pup approaches you, you should always ask for a sit or touch before they have a chance to use their teeth
Don't try to pet your pup when they're in a hyper or playful state, toss toys away from you instead during these times, and use your 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. Use SLOW HANDS when approaching pup and avoid touching their face/head when they're in a hyper 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.
When your pup is using their teeth on anyone for any reason (gentle or not), you must immediately stop playing, stand up, and take your hands away, disengage completely.
Don't talk to, look at, or touch them (all forms of attention!). Wait a few seconds. Toss a few treats and toys on the floor a few feet away from you.
If they have stopped biting, ask for a sit and invite them to play with you nicely, offer a long tug toy or toss a squeaky toy. If the biting continues, you must immediately toss a treat and toy away from you to entice them to give you space. Then allow them to play by themselves or come back to you where they must sit and play with you nicely.
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. This is where having a baby gate to walk over and separate yourselves is perfect! If not, make a treat trail to their kennel for a time-out. No hands!
If they are biting your pants/feet/legs, you must grab a very high-value treat (tiny hot dog, 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!
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