My 4-month-old indie puppy bites aggressively when he wants to play or get my attention. I have tried everything: saying “ouch” loudly, stopping play, redirecting, and giving a sit command for treats, but nothing works. Once he’s in that mode, he seems to lose all control. My legs and arms are covered in bruises from trying to manage this behavior. Please help a tired mom and her hyperactive pup.
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When your puppy bites too hard, yelp in a high-pitched voice and pause playtime for a brief moment. This communicates that biting results in a break from play.
Aggressive biting by an overactive dog can be difficult to handle. Redirecting and providing positive reinforcement should be done consistently. Think about getting expert assistance from a dog trainer with knowledge of puppy behavior. Exercise and socialization are essential for directing your dog’s energy in a constructive way. In training, perseverance and patience will pay off.
When your puppy starts nipping, give them a chew toy instead. This teaches them what’s appropriate to chew on. Keep a variety of puppy-safe chew toys on hand so they have options.
Struggling with your 4-month-old pup’s aggressive biting? Try a new approach! Instead of “ouch” or stopping play, redirect his attention with a chew toy he can chomp on instead. If that fails, use a short, firm “no bite” followed by a 10-second time-out where you turn away. Teething pain might be a culprit too, so try chilled teething toys for some relief. Consistency is key, so keep at it - your pup will learn gentle play soon!
Offer your puppy an alternative chew toy if they begin nibbling on your fingers or toes during playtime. If they persist with nipping, end the play session promptly. Alternatively, if your puppy has been learning to sit, redirect their attention by asking them to sit and rewarding them with a toy.