should i hit my dog on the nose when i want him to stop biting my feet?

Question

he's just shy of a year old and likes to play a lot... including biting my feet to get attention. it's all fun and play though.
he does like to bark at strangers whenever they come over to the house too. i'd like for him to stop doing that too.

Answer 1

yes then tell him no and soon or later he will stop

Answer 2

Biting is never allowed. Likewise, hitting your dog is more likely to increase biting rather than reduce it.

Remember that you dog doesn't have hands. His mouth is how he investigates the world. Kind of like toddlers who are forever putting things in their mouths! He's not biting to be mean, he's biting to play and to explore.

You need to encourage non-biting play behaviors. First and foremost, no tug-of-war games. I know, everyone loves playing tug-of-war with an old sock and a hyper dog but it promotes biting, pulling and thrashing. This is especially important if you have a big dog.

The most effective way I have found that discourages dogs from biting is making a BIG fuss about being "hurt" when they do bite. When you puppy bites, yell "OUCH!" really loud and refuse to give them any attention. If he tries again, grab him firmly by the scruff of the neck (do NOT pick him up, shake him or strike him) and say "No biting! No!" is as threatening a voice as you can. I have done this with all my dogs and the dogs I walk at the SPCA and it works very effectively.

As for barking when strangers come to the house, a lot of that barking is actually a reaction to all the fuss you kick up about them barking in the first place! When they bark don't scream and yell (it's so tempting to, I know), just tell him firmly "No!". When he stops, praise him for obeying and reward him with treats or tummy scratches. It takes time, and patience but he will eventually learn if you are persist ant.

Answer 3

when he bites you, you need to yelp and turn away from him as if ignoring him. This is what other puppies will do to each other, its the equivalent of saying 'you hurt me, i'm not playing anymore'. you must never hit your dog, especially on the nose which most people think is okay but actually destroys the nerves in their noses. If it does carry on, shout at him and place him in the corner for a few minutes but never where he sleeps as he will then associate this place with punishment. Obedience classes would also be good.

Answer 4

NO NO NO. Why do you need to smack your dog? Teach him not to bite your feet. I know it is only play but you must not let him think it is ok to use his teeth on any human, even in play. He might use his teeth in earnest one day and hurt someone.
Try this. I know it works but you must persevere with it.
Teach him another game using a clicker and stimulate his mind.





Bite inhibition is an extremely important exercise to teach your puppy. Issues such as acceptance of being handled, fearfulness, socialization and biting must be tackled when your pup is young because problems with these issues are practically impossible to put right later. Teaching a dog with a full set of adult teeth and jaw strength to match is a totally different ball game!

While puppies need to investigate the world through their mouths their investigations should not include you. Pups begin to learn bite inhibition from their littermates and mother. If they bite their brother or sister too hard, the other pup will make a high pitched squeal and will run away, effectively ending the rough and tumble game they were engaged in. Their mother will make a similar sound and move away when she knows it’s time for her pups to stop feeding from her.
So you can use the “OUCH” method with your pup.

As your pup bites or puts his/her teeth on any part of you say “OUCH” in a loud high pitched voice. It is important to get the timing exactly right so, as the teeth make contact with your hand, leg or any other part of your body, say “OUCH”. Immediately follow this with a reward as the pup removes his/her teeth. If the pup tries to bite again after the reward you should severe all contact with him/her, i.e. leave the room for a couple of minutes.

Answer 5

Would you like it if someone smacked you on the nose whenever they wanted you to stop doing something?Puppies bite and bark get over it or get into a training class or buy some training books NEVER HIT.

Answer 6

for best results training a dog use the clicker method. See -

www.learningaboutdogs.com/clicker_tips.htm
www.nichols-online.co.uk/html/clicker_training.html
www.bordercollierescue.org/breed_advice/Content/Phillips.html

There's no need to squirt water, tap the dogs nose, grab him by the scruff of his neck or use any other form of physical punishment, as he'll always associate your hand going down as a theat. Imagine a child putting their hand out to him when he's been physically 'trained' - doesn't bear thinking about. A clicker is kind, costs next to nothing, good results are achieved within 72 hours (sometimes a couple of hours!), and the simple lessons last a lifetime.

Answer 7

The experts say 'no.' I have read that it can make them hand shy and they will duck their head when you try to pet them later. I have also read that their nose is very delicate and if you hit them hard enough that you can permanently damage their sense of smell. Try clapping your hands loudly and say No! in a firm, controlled voice.

Answer 8

no, that just makes them more aggressive when you hit them, and they will keep doing it because you gave them attention. when mine were pups and would bite me for attention/to play, i'd put my hand around their muzzle (to close the mouth) and thell them NO! that worked just fine for me, and its not hitting them, which is a horrible thing to do! beware of girl dogs that like to have the last word, though!

Answer 9

dude, never hit a dog. especially on the nose, that would really hurt them and your pup might distance himself from you when you do that. you're his master, so love him and discipline him the right way. if you have to hit him, just give him a swift smack on the lower back, but don't hurt him badly.

Answer 10

Water bottle works great on cats and dogs. one quick squirt and they get the message, and it doesn't hurt

Answer 11

Just say no in a harrish voice