How to train my dog not to bite

Seeking help
1

My dog Fox is always grabbing onto people’s ankles, wrists, arms, and legs, biting or nibbling them. He’s a big dog (I’ll post a picture in the comments). I adopted him from a shelter where I volunteer, and he’s about 1.5 years old. He doesn’t respond to the word “no,” which is expected. I try not to show anger because I know it might make him bite me more.

What should I do?

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2

Fox is undeniably engaging in mouthing behavior, which is common in dogs.
Here are some steps you can take to help curb this behavior:

  • Redirect attention: When Fox starts to bite or nibble, immediately redirect his attention to a toy or chew item. This helps him understand what is appropriate to bite.
  • Positive reinforcement: Reward Fox with treats and praise when he plays gently or chews on his toys instead of people. Positive reinforcement can be very effective in encouraging good behavior.
  • Teach bite inhibition: If Fox bites too hard, let out a high-pitched yelp to mimic how another dog would react. This can help him understand that he’s being too rough.
  • Consistent commands: Use consistent commands like “leave it” or “off” to teach him to stop biting. Be patient and persistent with training.
  • Exercise and mental stimulation: Ensure Fox gets plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation. A tired dog is less likely to engage in unwanted behaviors.
  • Professional help: If the behavior persists, consider consulting a professional dog trainer or a veterinary behaviorist who can provide personalized guidance
3

You are basically going to teach your dog where your boundaries are and how much is too much, so be prepared for this to be laborious. Your dog is a “teenager” and will probably be eager to explore the boundaries, but if you put in the effort, by this time next year, your dog will be a wonderful companion.

At the very least, I would wait to play tug of war or any other hard games until he’s more cautious and conscious of his power. One of my dogs is excellent at dropping things, so she enjoys activities like that; however, the other dog can get vicious while playing tug of war or even fetch.

4

Yelp sharply and high-pitched, like a yapping puppy, whenever they bite or apply more force than you want. This should interrupt their behavior long enough for you to give commands like “NO” or “LEAVE.” Disrupt the unwanted behavior, use a command to redirect their attention to you, and repeat commands while praising the desired behavior.

Be prepared for this process to be tedious; you’re essentially teaching your dog your limits and boundaries. Since your dog is like a “teenager,” they’ll likely test these boundaries, but with persistence, you’ll have a great dog by this time next year.

Avoid playing rough games or tug of war until your dog is more mindful of their strength. For example, one of my dogs is excellent at dropping things and enjoys games like that, while the other can get triggered by games like tug of war or even fetch.