There are over 4.5 million dog bites in the United States every year, with 20% of these becoming infections.A biting dog is a dangerous dog, even if it doesn't seem like it.If you own a dog that bites, you can be held responsible for any injuries the dog may cause.If your dog kills someone, you could be charged with manslaughter.There are a lot of things you can do to teach your dog to stop biting.It will take patience and time, but your well trained dog will be a joy to be around and a great member of your family.
Step 1: Distinguish between aggressive and playful biting.
Most dogs and puppies play with each other.The playful dog will have a relaxed body if this is the case.The puppy or dog won't show their teeth when he bites them.If your dog is biting aggressively, his body will be stiff, he will show his teeth, and he'll bite quickly and hard.In addition to his body language, pay attention to your dog's attitude.Chances are you already know if your dog is playing or unhappy.
Step 2: Why did your dog bite?
Dogs don't bite suddenly.Dogs bite as a reaction to something.You have to watch your dog's body language in order to figure out why he bites.You will need to deal with your dog differently depending on whether he's biting from playful or aggressive.If your dog is hungry, scared, or excited, he may bite.
Step 3: Listen to your dog's mood.
Paying attention to his body language can help you figure out his mood.Knowing how your dog is feeling will help you respond.Your dog will have a calm stance and relaxed facial muscles with an open mouth if you look to see if your dog is biting.If he's alert, his ears will be floppy orect, depending on the breed.His fur will lay flat if he wagging his tail or holding it naturally.Aggressive: Your dog's ears and tail will be erect.His muscles will be tense as his fur stands up.He will show his teeth and stare at you.You shouldn't meet his gaze, slowly back away, and get a barrier between you.Your dog will cower with his ears back, his body tense, and his tail tucked between his legs.He may bite because he doesn't want to leave.
Step 4: Supervise and control your dog.
You must get immediate control of your dog if he bites or is aggressive.Use a harness, muzzle, or head halter to stop him from biting.Unless you have a responsible adult holding the handle, don't let your dog go outside without being on a leash.A dog that bites children should never be left alone.Your dog shouldn't be near children until he stops biting.
Step 5: Your dog should be checked out by a vet.
Once you have control of your dog, you need to take him to the vet for an exam and behavioral consultation.If your vet finds that the dog is suffering from a medical condition or is in pain, it may be because of an injury or arthritis.Treatments that can stop the biting may be recommended if your vet determines a cause for the grumpiness.If there isn't a medical explanation for the biting, you should ask your vet if the dog is acting out of fear or defending his belongings.
Step 6: You can find a professional trainer.
You may be able to get a recommendation from your vet.The dog can be trained by the specialist.If there was a human injury involved, it's important to work with a professional trainer to correct the biting behavior.Make sure the person you hire is certified to work with aggressive animals.A Certified Professional Dog Trainer, a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, or a veterinary behaviorist can be found in your area.
Step 7: Speak to your dog in a calm way.
There are less intense versions of what is scaring your dog.Increasing the intensity of the situation will make him more comfortable with what he fears.Before increasing them, make sure you start in small amounts.Each exposure should make your dog comfortable.If your dog is scared of men in hats, you can let him look through a window or a glass door at a man with a hat in your yard.The person should be doing simple things like sitting and reading.Reward your dog when he calms down despite the object.Allow the person to move closer and repeat the praise.You may need to do this for weeks or even months.
Step 8: Allow your dog to fight his fear.
If you want to help your dog work through his fear, you need to let him do it on his own.Your dog should not be reassured or cuddled while you desensitizing him.You can reward your dog with treats.If you need to control him, you should keep him on a leash.If your dog is scared of men in hats but doesn't run away when watching a man in a hat, have the man toss a few treats towards the dog.He knows the man isn't a threat.Your dog should eventually accept the man and he may even enter the same room as you.The man can give your dog food.Make sure the person in the hat knows not to give the dog a treat when it is acting fearfully or barking, as this will reward and reinforce the bad behavior.
Step 9: Don't let your dog bite you.
If your puppy or dog starts mouthing, nipping, or biting while you're playing, give a high pitched yelp.When you stop playing, let your hand go limp.Your dog should stop mouthing your hand if this startsle him.Reward him when he gets back to playing.He associates biting with lack of attention if he nips or bites.Puppies learn bite inhibition when they play with their littermates.If a puppy bites another puppy too hard, the bitten pup will make a loud noise.The puppy learns good canine citizenship.
Step 10: Basic commands will help control your dog.
Basic commands like "sit," "down," and "stay" can be used to curb your dog's biting behavior.Your dog needs to be trained every day.If you want to work with your dog when he's relaxed, break up the sessions into two 10 minute training periods.If your dog is off leash, you can use these commands to control him.Positive reinforcement like praise and rewards can be used when teaching commands.Don't hit your dog, it will make him fear you and reinforce negative behavior.Practice in a calm environment and be patient.If you can't train your dog, enroll him in classes.
Step 11: Get your dog lots of exercise and stimulation.
Take your dog for long walks throughout the day.This will allow your dog to burn off steam and energy.If you're gone through the day, you can give him a rubber treat or a toy that can be filled with food.Your dog will bite the toy to get to the treats which will release his energy.If you can't take your dog for a walk during the day, consider hiring a dog walker or doggy daycare.He will be stimulated mentally by walking or being at a daycare.
Step 12: Direct your dog's attention.
A useful behavior to learn is direction.If you notice that your dog is mouthing or biting, try to distract him with a toy, treat, or activity.If your dog is making noise, play tug-of-war.He can take his mind off of biting by playing fetch.Don't try to get the dog to stop biting.This will cause redirected aggression which can be dangerous.Use the "look" or "watch me" command to get your dog's attention.This could diffuse the situation.If you know your dog will react to something in the distance, try circling around it as opposed to approaching it head-on, which is more aggressive.