Q&A for How to Stop Dogs from Biting

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How do I train my puppy not to bite?

Jaimie Scott
Dog Owner Trainer
Jaimie Scott has been training dog owners as the Owner of Jaimie Scott Dog Training in Sacramento, California for the past 15 years. Jaimie meets clients for 1-on-1 training, group classes (owners only, no dogs), as well as live video classes. Jaimie has published videos, blog articles, and eBooks to share tips for training and his personalized insight into dog behavior. With a focus on training the owners, Jaimie believes that dogs need to know who’s in control at any given time in order to feel secure and be happy. Jaimie holds a BS in Mathematics and Computer Science from Pacific University.

Jaimie Scott

Dog Owner Trainer

Expert Answer

When you sense your puppy is about to bite you, say "no" or "no bite." Then, if he doesn't bite you, give him a treat and praise as a reward. If he does bite, walk away and ignore him for a few minutes. This will help him learn that gentle play is rewarded while rough play is not.

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Question

What do I do if my puppy bites more and gets aggressive if we use the yelp and stop method?

Community Answer

You should probably use a different method. Test different methods and see what your pup responds to best.

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Question

How should I complain about a stray dog that has bitten several people, and what action will be taken?

Community Answer

Call animal control. The dog will likely be put to sleep, but it would protect so many folks. It's the only responsible thing to do.

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Question

My friend's dog slightly scratched my hand with his tooth. He was confirmed not to have rabies. I just washed it after the bleeding stopped. Should I do something else too?

Community Answer

If he is confirmed to not have rabies, then there is probably nothing to worry about. But you must wash it thoroughly and make sure it is properly treated before going outside. If you continue to itch or irritation occurs, tell your parents or a trusted adult.

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Question

My 12 week old puppy used to play bite but now it’s getting more and more frequent. I’m worried we’ll have to get rid of him, how can I make him stop?

Community Answer

Whenever your pup bites, make a yelping sound to signal that he bit too hard. Try stuffing a toy in his mouth whenever he attempts to bite. If he knows any commands such as sit or stay, etc., make him do so whenever he bites. Do not reward biting with food to get him to stop, it will just encourage it. Also, do not be afraid to say "no."

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Question

What can I do if my dog is lunge biting me she is 9 weeks old? It is not a soft playful bite, it is cutting me and she continues for an hour.

Community Answer

Consider getting another dog so that the pup can learn when the bite is too hard. Whenever your puppy bites you, make a yelping sound to signal that the bite is too hard. You can also try putting a toy in his/her mouth whenever they bite. Don't be afraid to say "no" whenever this happens.

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Question

My 8 week old puppy keeps playfully biting my hand during playtime. He bites hard. How do I stop this?

Community Answer

Whenever this happens, make a yelping sound so your pup learns to control their bite, so it is not too hard. You can also stuff a toy in his/her mouth when he/she attempts to bite. Do not be afraid to say "no."

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Question

I think my pup is teething, but he keeps biting people.

Community Answer

This is totally normal as puppies bite fingers ankles and other body parts. Give them toys to chew, and say "no bites" when he bites. Make sure to take your hand away after you say that.

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Question

My family always beats up my dog whenever he bites. They say slapping him, and chaining him is the only way it can stop. I cry to myself whenever this happens, But I am helpless. What to do?

Community Answer

Try getting him a muzzle. Abuse is no way to treat a dog. Only take of the muzzle during feeding. He will find that trying to bite is useless and has no effect.

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Question

What if my dog is growling at a kid?

HorseLover1431

Community Answer

If your dog is growling at a kid, ask the kid to back away. Pull the dog away. Say "no" very firmly. If you are out walking, walk the other way, or choose another direction. If you are in your yard, put the dog in their crate. When you feel like your dog is ready, ask kids to slowly approach the dog, and see how they react. If they repeatedly act aggressively, ask a professional dog trainer to help.

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Question

What do I do when a stray dog is charging toward me threatening to bite?

Community Answer

Avoid eye contact. Turn your body sideways to the dog to give it less of a target. Cross your arms to keep your hands safe. Act like you're ignoring the dog. Stay motionless for a short period, then slowly move away. Go somewhere that presents a barrier between you and the dog.

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