Reputable breeders will not allow a puppy to leave until they are at least 8 weeks old for this reason. It is beneficial for you to wait at least this long to give your puppy this early learning experience rather than spend extra training on a potentially dangerous behaviour later down the track.
Step two begins as soon as you receive the first baby teeth nip.
Most likely occurring during an enjoyable game of tug or a lavish tummy rub just when you were feeling unconditionally loved.
Your reaction to this is the key to successful learning for your puppy.
This is not the time for a push away or tap on the nose as neither of these was done by the puppy's canine family they have just left, their displeasure was much more easily read.
To mimic these actions is simple and the most effective way to communicate this important lesson to your puppy.
For us this translates to letting out a high pitch "yelp'' as litter mates would have done, if your puppy acknowledges your reaction and moves away wait a few seconds and resume play. If your puppy does not move away, remove yourself from your puppy effectively stopping the play for at least 30 seconds.
When you return ask for a trained behaviour such as sit and down to refocus your puppy before starting play again.
As your puppy learns that bites hurt and play stops, ensure that the same reaction is given when any mouthing occurs, it is important for a puppy to think that the softest touch inflicts intense pain.
PAW POINT OF THE WEEK
The more your puppy is allowed to practise bite inhibition the less likely it will be that your dog causes serious damage from accidental or intentional bites later in life.
Contact me for the chance to have your question selected for publication at nadines@dogguru.co.nz
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