When your puppy starts biting, redirect their attention to a toy or chew bone. Encourage chewing on appropriate items by offering them as an alternative to your hands or clothing.
Teach your puppy basic commands like "sit," "stay," or "leave it." These commands can be used to redirect their behavior when they start to bite. For example, when they bite, say "leave it" and then offer a toy.
Ensure your puppy has a variety of chew toys that are suitable for their age and breed. Toys like ropes, rubber toys, or puzzle toys can help satisfy their need to chew and keep them engaged.
Properly socialize your puppy with other dogs and people. This helps them understand bite inhibition and appropriate play behavior through interaction with other dogs and people.
Refrain from engaging in rough play that encourages biting, such as wrestling or games that involve using your hands as toys. This can confuse the puppy about what's acceptable behavior.
Be consistent in your response to biting behavior. If the puppy continues to bite despite redirection, calmly remove yourself from the situation for a short time-out. This teaches them that biting leads to loss of attention or playtime.
Praise and reward your puppy when they choose to chew on appropriate items. Positive reinforcement, such as treats or verbal praise, helps reinforce good behavior.
If the biting behavior persists or escalates, seek guidance from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can provide tailored advice and techniques to address the issue.