Puppy biting can be frustrating, but it’s also a great learning opportunity for your dog. We’re going to guide you through how to stop puppy biting with toys.
Puppy biting can have several causes as your dog is still learning about the world and how to navigate it.
The first cause is teething. Most puppies start teething around three to four months and finish up at about six to seven months. Their mouth is sore and it can cause them to want to nip or bite on things they shouldn’t while teething.
Wanting to play is another source of nipping or biting. Your puppy has a lot of energy and has not learned how to direct it yet. See what games you could play with your dog in order to use their energy.
Overstimulation can cause biting out of stress. You may need to take them to a quieter environment and then redirect to help them calm down.
Some breeds are also bred with nipping in mind and may need lifelong management. This is especially true of hearing breeds.
How to Stop Puppy Biting with Redirecting
Redirecting is the act of moving attention or an action to something more appropriate. So, while puppy biting is frustrating to deal with, it’s a great opportunity to teach proper chewing behaviours.
When your puppy tugs on your pant leg or nips at your fingers while you’re trying to pet them, you can offer a suitable toy instead. It’s something safe that they’re allowed to chew on.
For some puppies, toys may not be enough and you may need to use some kibble or treats as well. Once they grab the object being used to redirect them, you can offer their food reward.
How to Stop Puppy Biting with Toys
Interactive toys such as our Fenrir Hammer are a great way to redirect your puppy. Depending on why the biting is occuring, you can adapt to the situation.
If your puppy is trying to sooth their gums and teeth, these rubber toys can be frozen and kept on hand to help with sore gums. When you see them trying to gnaw on something they shouldn’t, you can offer them the toy as a teether. If it relieves their pain, they’re much more likely to opt for it next time even if it’s not frozen.
Maybe your puppy is wound up and really wants to play. The Fenrir Hammer can be used as a tug toy. The pent up energy they have can be redirected into a fun game with you rather than nipping your heels or tugging on your pant legs.
Overstimulation and anxiety can also cause nipping and biting. Chewing is a natural outlet for anxiety. Having guests over or loud activities can cause anxiety.
This is a fantastic opportunity to redirect and take your puppy to a quiet environment where they can focus on their chew toy and work off some of that anxiety.
There are so many ways to utilise a high quality toy in redirection activities to stop puppy biting.
