There are far too many puppies neglected or abandoned in shelters these days, which is heartbreaking. New pet owners with unrealistic ideas when it comes to keeping a pet frequently mistake puppies as aggressive because they sometimes bite when it comes to being stroked or petted. This is NORMAL and NOT AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR. They need understanding during these days and not for them to get abandoned. In this article, we will discuss why puppies bite when you pet them. All dogs, at some point or another, will bite or nip their owners. When this happens for the first time, it could be misinterpreted as aggressive, and you might run screaming. It’s important to realize, though, that pups communicate primarily through the use of their jaws and teeth. Puppies bite to express intense emotions including excitement, exhaustion, or even terror. Puppies bite to catch their owner’s attention, and biting feels nice as their baby teeth fall out and are replaced by adult teeth.When being pet, usually they bite to show that they want to play. You’ll know that his biting is playful when it’s not that hard, he doesn’t sink his teeth into your skin, his tail is wagging, and jumping around.
Important note: Does your puppy just bite when you pet him in one spot? You must take your pet to the veterinarian in this situation because the region you are touching is most likely hurting.
You now have a better understanding of why your puppy bites you when you pet him. If you want a more in-depth explanation of why puppies bite and how to teach your puppy not to bite, keep reading. Additional information is available that will undoubtedly be beneficial to new dog owners.
©Pumpkin Pet Insurance
Reasons Why Puppies Bite:
NORMAL BEHAVIOR
Puppies are born to chew, nip and bite. To them, the world is just a gigantic chew toy that they may play with at any given time. For a period of time, all they want to do is gnaw on stuff, nibble at your trouser legs, and bite at your legs and arms.ACTIONS TO TAKE:Toys for your dog to bite, chew, or gnaw on are an absolute must. Different textures of toys are better for teaching your puppies where to place their needle-sharp teeth. It’s also beneficial to socialize your puppy with other dogs so that they can explore and play with their mouths.
©Pet On A Leash
OVEREXCITED
Puppies, like children, must be taught to manage their emotions, particularly their eagerness. Excited puppies move back and forth, excitedly wag their tails, and may even jump or bark. Along with this, they are prone to snapping their jaws, which results in them biting the humans they are so delighted to be around.ACTIONS TO TAKE:Dogs are naturally born to observe and follow. Your actions and emotions are frequently imitated by your puppies. When you sense your dog becoming overly excited about something, try to do quiet and calm. When you display calm and relaxed reactions, puppies will eventually learn that they need to do the same.
©Dogs – Love To Know
FRUSTRATION
When irritated, just as young children may feel compelled to strike, slap, or kick, young pups frequently show their irritation and rage through their teeth. It’s easy to mistake a puppy’s furious biting for obnoxiousness or “brattyness.” But keep in mind that frustration is a nasty emotion that stems from a sense of misunderstanding and/or powerlessness in a circumstance.ACTIONS TO TAKE:If you don’t understand the issue, you’ll never be able to address it. This implies that before you can help your dog, you must first figure out what’s causing their frustration. Being restrained, having a toy taken away, or being petted are all common situation that might cause your puppy’s frustration. You can use the reward technique to reduce your dog’s biting or nipping during these frustrating periods. You can praise your dog or provide food or toys as treats every time he does something you want them to do.If your dog attacks every time you pet him, for example, you can use the reward system. You’ll begin by softly petting him to help him calm down and relax. Give him a treat or a toy if he performs well. Be firm and tell him no if he begins to bite. He’ll grow accustomed to being petted and won’t mind it in the long run.
TIREDNESS
A puppy’s irritability and biting might be caused by overtiredness and lack of sleep. Puppies require between 16 and 18 hours of sleep each day. They may become fussy and bitey if they do not get enough sleep.ACTIONS TO TAKE:As much as possible, avoid disturbing your pet when sleeping. Place his bed in a quiet area where he won’t be disturbed by household noises, particularly if you have a busy household. It is beneficial for your dog to have a set rest time and calm hours.\
POOP TIME
There are a lot of puppies observed to bite before they poop. Your dog may need to go poop if you notice them suddenly becoming wild-eyed and zooming around, nibbling at your hands, feet, and clothing.ACTIONS TO TAKE:It’s normal for dogs to poop just like us. If you’ve noticed the indicators listed above, you can help your dog concentrate on pooping by providing some quiet time.
©Growl Snarl Snap
TANTRUM OF TEMPER
Puppies throw temper tantrums from time to time. Tantrums usually occur when a puppy is forced to perform something he dislikes. Playful mouthing by a puppy is less serious than a puppy tantrum, although it might be difficult to detect the difference. In most circumstances, a playful puppy’s body and face are relaxed. His muzzle may appear wrinkled, yet his facial muscles do not appear to be tense. On the other hand, your puppy’s body may appear stiff or frozen if he is having a temper tantrum. He might growl or pull his lips back to reveal his teeth. His bites will almost always be far more severe than usual mouthing during play.ACTIONS TO TAKE:Don’t yelp like you’re in pain if your puppy starts throwing a fit while you’re holding or handling him. Instead, maintain a level of calmness and emotionless from your feelings. Until he stops struggling, keep your dog in your arms firmly but not constricted. Once he has calmed down for a few seconds, let him go.
TEETHING
Teething is a painful procedure for puppies that lasts around 2-3 months and normally ends when they reach the age of six months. Puppies will chew on your shoes, furniture, or even your hands during this stage.ACTIONS TO TAKE:To deter your dog from chewing on other objects, alleviate teething pain and refocus your puppy’s chewing by offering safe puppy chew toys. Include tasty puppy chew toys, edible puppy teething rings, and rubber teething toys that may be frozen, such as a Kong.
FEAR
Teeth are important in a dog’s protection system. Teeth are the way of dogs to let an attacker back off and leave. If a puppy is afraid and has no way to flee, he or she may bite.ACTIONS TO TAKE:Allowing your puppy to feel safe and secure in his or her environment is the best way to help him or her relax. Do not hit, yank, or yell at your puppy. Puppies who have been exposed to this type of behavior are more likely to become frightened and bite.
©Union Lake Pet Services
What Can You Do to Teach Your Puppy Not to Bite?
Most pups bite and chew a lot during their first few months, but as they become older, they bite and chew less. A combination of maturity and training will result to less bitting issues as your pup gets old.
- Don’t run around like a lunatic trying to get away from your puppy when it bites. Say NO calmly but firmly. From a young age, you should teach your puppy a vocal cue to stop biting and other undesirable behavior. Remember to speak clearly and firmly without yelling at or frightening your dog.
- Avoid yelling and shouting. High-pitched voices may either startle your dog, causing them to become protective and bite more, or they may get more excited, making you appear to be a large pet toy.
- If your puppy bites you while you’re petting it, slowly remove your hand and stop petting it for a time. Avoid jerking your hand away, as this could set off your puppy’s chasing instincts and result in further biting. In order to protect yourself from your puppy’s teeth, simply raise your hand and tuck it behind your back.
- Stop walking once your puppy starts grabbing and nibbling at your clothes. Don’t look at him or speak to him; simply stop moving. Continue on your way after he releases his grip on your pants. Don’t keep walking as your dog may mistake this action as wanting to play tug.
- Maintain Consistency! Sending mixed messages is not a good idea. Make sure that everyone in your household is on board and that you’re teaching your puppy in the same way.
- Redirect your puppy’s chewing to more appropriate items. Provide a variety of chew toys with various textures. Shake and move the toys around to make them as stimulating as your body.
- Praise your dog whenever he or she behaves calmly. This will encourage your dog to maintain his calm demeanor.
