Puppy Club Fact Sheets
Puppy Bite Inhibition
Introduction
Bite inhibition is vitally important to teach all dogs. All dogs will potentially bite if pushed hard enough and they feel that biting is their only option. However, in dog to dog situations, well socialised dogs always inhibit their bites i.e. soft bites which act as a warning rather than causing physical harm. This is logical in a pack animal where harming your pack member can lead to a decrease in hunting abilities and so less dinner for you - not a great strategy.
What we are aiming to do is teach puppies not only to inhibit their bite with each other - something most pups learn naturally by playing together, but also to inhibit their bite with people. How do we do this?
Initially it is important to realise that puppies explore the environment through their mouths. Suddenly stopping them biting completely is not going to be possible, nor is it really desirable, as we want to teach them about the strength of their jaws, at least initially. Instead we choose a step by step approach and basically do what puppies do to each other.
As you play with your puppy he will probably get excited and start to mouth at your hand. Pick a level of pressure you are not prepared to put up with - a good starting point would be biting that actually hurts! As soon as the puppy bites hard enough, squeal 'Ow' loudly, pull your hand away and turn your back. Wait a few seconds then start playing the game again. Slowly the puppy starts to get the idea - "If I bite hard the fun stops- hmm maybe I should stop biting hard". Some puppies catch on quicker than others do and a lot depends on how consistent you are and how accurately you time your squeals.
Gradually decrease the level of pressure that is acceptable until only gentle mouthing, with no teeth is all that occurs. Then you can start insisting on no mouth at all except when a specific command is given. Remember you want your dog to let you put your hand in his mouth for giving pills and brushing teeth. You do not want to convince him that human hands in a dog's mouth is completely wrong or you will have trouble with this.
N.B. This exercise is not suitable for young children to practice - even puppy bites can hurt. Young children should never be left unsupervised with any dog.
