Ever had a problem with a biting family dog? Here's some solutions to the problem. For young puppies, under 6 months old, there is,what is commonly refered to as 'play biting.' Many people believe that puppy biting is just one of the many ways a new puppy plays. But there other factors at hand. Puppies that are introduced into a new 'pack' may be feeling a bit uneasy about his or her position or ranking there. The bottom line in this debate is that puppies shouldn't be allowed to use their teeth to bite people. Some suggest that when this occurs, a firm 'no!' is said to the puppy and he is placed back in the pen for a while with a favorite chew toy to give him/her the reinforced idea that chewing on people is unacceptable, but chewing on a puppy toy is fine.
Most dogs can be trained not to bite. While there many types of training programs to choose from, the ones that offer a face-to-face approach seem to be more effective at curbing the biting problem. One of the effective techniques that good trainers use is the 'mother approach'. This technique imitates the ways a mother dog uses to train her pup. As the trainer is using procedures familiar to the puppy, they are much more responsive to it. One such technique is the Alpha Roll. This technique is used by the mother or father dog in order to let the pup know who's in charge. People can replicate this procedure by gently rolling the dog onto it's back, firmly clutching it's nose or snout, looking into the dog's eyes, and firmly saying 'NO!' Some trainers even suggest growling loudly during the process. One must, however, be aware to take precautions in case the dog may want to bite. Depending on the size of the dog, one may want to use their own body weight to keep the dog on it's back. The owner (the 'Alpha' of the pack), should keep the dog on it's back, repeating 'No!' until the dog submits to your authority. Afterward just let the dog up and go about your business. Repeat this technique whenever the animal gets too big for it's britches. It will soon get the idea that you are the boss, not him.
Older dogs or 'teens', (1 year old), if not disciplined not to bite, will progress to a more aggressive form of 'play biting'. By this stage, the 'playing' is much more intense and may even have come to where the biting is breaking the skin. At this stage it is suggested that professional help be consulted. A professional dog trainer can explore techniques that should be able to modify your 'teenager's' biting behavior. This is better accomplished before it progresses to vicious biting, and you wind up in court over a dog attack on a neighbor.
The adult biting dog can become a nightmarish problem. Ever hear about a dog that turned on it's master? Of course, we all have. The truth of the matter is that the biting dog never had a master as far as he was concerned. In the dog's mind HE was the master. HE owns the house. This owner failed to address the 'play biting' and aggression early on. In doing so he, unknowingly, lowered himself to a subservient role within the household, putting himself, in rank, beneath the family dog! Most of these dogs will bite at the drop of a hat, (and will drop the hat themselves!), and are a liability suit ready to happen. But, surprisingly enough, there is hope even at this stage. The family should consider hiring a professional dog trainer who specializes in older dog's problems. Additionally, the family will have to adopt a different behavior pattern concerning the interaction with the family pet. This new behavior pattern will have to include a posture in where the dog is without a doubt, the 'pet', and the owner the 'master.' with the understanding that these changes are for the life of the dog, family and pet will get along just fine.
