How to stop your dog from biting?

Question

My dog is 2 yrs old.
She bites, not for-stitches hard but hard enough to make your bleed.

she NEVER growled or bit when we picked up a treat she was failing to rip apart but now she gives those threatening growls and those warning bites (the ones that just lets you feel that she bit you, no mark, no blood.)

i know that dogs that were taken from their mothers earlier have a greater chance of biting- (got my dog when she was 6wks old.)

she even bit her old owner!
(and bit me)

she's blinded by anger or fear and runs away when she realizes what she've done.

how can i stop her from biting?

Answer 1

1) the biggest problem that most new puppy owners have is the "NO" command. This command does more damage then good. Here’s why.....

Puppies respond better to positive reinforcement. This means that they will want to be better if instead of saying "NO" say "good boy" or "good dog" this will make the puppy think that he would want to be a good. You can give them a pat on the head or you could give them a treat.

But what puppy owners don't understand is that if you just yell/snap (not saying that u are) then you are contributing to the problem. it's ok to teach them the "NO" command but it's better to do that in time when your puppy trust you and you feel more comfortable with your puppy.

2) Ok now another thing you can do is not to encourage this behavior. This means no aggressive playing with your bear hands. Like finger tug-a-war. (I know it's tempting but don't do it) this will only tell your puppy that it's alright to bite and that's play. In the long run this behavior can be very dangerous as an adult dog. It could seriously hurt a small child or another dog.

3) When your puppy bites make a loud and high pitch screech or a yell (this will shock and confuse your puppy and would more then likely stun your puppy enough to have them let go and then quickly substitute your hand with an appropriate toy).
Remembering not to do it too loud so that it hurts your puppy’s ears. A chew toy or a cold frozen baby teeter would work nicely (your puppy should be teething or about to teeth this will help your puppy with his gums). Then say "good boy"


I hope this helps you.

Answer 2

Sounds like you could potentially have a serious problem. You don't mention how long it's been going on or what breed your dog is but you need to put an end to it now or she will end up biting someone else who may not be as forgiving as you are.

She must know that it's NOT okay with you that she does this. If she growls you must tell her no and DO NOT back away from her. The moment you do, she wins and will continue to challenge you. You mention she's also resource aggressive.. Start by teaching her that you are her pack leader. Try an exercise where you give her all her meals by hand and with each bite she must do a sit, down. stay, shake, whatever. The idea is that nothing is for free and this will strengthen your bond with her. Also it sends the message that you are the provider of resources.

She may be biting out of fear (most likely) but it also may be aggression (not good). I know many people don't agree with the Dog Whisperer (nor do I on all accounts) but there are some great things you can learn form his techniques and philosophies on aggressive behavior.

Does she get enough exercise? If not, take her for long walks or dog park (if she's properly socialized). Which brings me to...is she aggressive with other dogs or just humans (or just you?)

Lastly, seek the advice of a dog behaviorist. There's a reason she's turned nasty and you'll want to get to the bottom of it before it gets out of control.

Good luck!

Answer 3

You NEED to keep anything she will put in her mouth out of reach.

Absolutely NO touching he when she has something in her mouth...especially no hitting. She will think you are taking her stash away and probably ATTACK you. not bite, ATTACK.

You NEED to put her away when guests come. They probably won't know this and a average persons first reaction is reach for the mouth. You can't risk her biting a stranger.

You NEED to teach a 100% reliable drop it. Always have something utterly delicious on hand, to 'trade' with her. If she doesn't want to trade, make it clear that it's fine, but she isn't getting any treat. Get something irrisistible, like BIG pieces of cooked salty chicken. Not healthy, but delicious.

NEVER EVER put your hand in her mouth when she has something...no matter how valuable it is...your finger is way more important, and it could get worse. I have been bitten on the nail before, and the blood got stuck under the nail, and mold grew...it's disgusting what a little snap can do to you.

This is recurce guarding...and if it's untreated, it can get worse...even to the point where she snaps at you while taking a drink. Consult a behaviorist. Not a trainer...a behavoirist. This is serious and you need to keep others safe...which in the end will keep your dog safe.

Answer 4

I'd hire a professional trainer if possible since she is set into this routine. It sounds like you have dominance problems. It doesn't sound as though she has an alpha personality but because there is no clear leader (which BTW should be YOU) she feels she must take the position. She is insecure in this position but the behavior will continue and get worse. You need to take your place at the head of the pack and put her at the bottom where she belongs. I realize she may be your baby but you need to see her as a dog you love, not a human. Dogs will act like dogs no matter how much we want them to be our little babies. Start off with basic obedience. Be firm but gentle. Remember, you're in charge and you are not asking her; you're telling her. For now, she is not to get on the furniture. That is a place where the leaders belong. If this gets under control, she may be allowed back on it. Do not step around her. Make her move. It's no accident that dogs lay in the way. This is the way a canine pack works. Alphas lay where they please and subordinates go around. She does not go through doors or tight spaces before you. Since she is resource guarding, put a muzzle or leash on her (or both) and break this habit. I recommend both. Have someone hold the leash and stand away from you and the dog. Reach to take whatever she is guarding. When she growls, the person holding the leash needs to give a quick, sharp tug while you give a firm NO. When she is good, give her a pat or a treat if there is room for her to eat it with the muzzle on. This IS going to stress her so keep sessions short. One of the best things I've found for dogs like this is to have her on leash at all times. Tie her to your waist. Don't bother telling her to come with you. Just walk off and she has no choice but to come. She'll learn to look to you to lead her. She does not eat, drink, pee, or play without your say so. Make sure you take her to the water at least three times a day. It's her choice whether she drinks or not. Give her a minute to decide and walk off if she doesn't. Same with food. Put it down and let her decide if she wants to eat. If she's not eating in fifteen minutes, pick it up. Take her out to potty at least twice a day. If she goes, great. If not, try again later but don't let her decide that she would rather play or sniff everything. Make sure she gets her exercise but on YOUR terms. No shoving a ball in your lap and demanding playtime. Same for attention. Make her earn her cuddles and don't pet her for shoving her head at you. While you are not home, she should be confined to either a crate or a room so that she doesn't feel her choices are suddenly back. After a couple of weeks, she should be much better. You can let her off leash again when she's behaving better. You can always go back to this if necessary. It isn't hard but it is time consuming. I know it sounds harsh but sometimes making it clear you control every aspect of their lives is what it takes to remind them who is really in charge. Good luck with her.

Answer 5

go and get a training collar from the vet or pet store. keep it on her at all times. when you plan to reach for something put her leash on and if she goes to bit give a firm tug on the leash. if that doesn't work the next time she bites you grab ahold of her bottom jaw and gently move her head from side to side. this will show her that you have complete control. if your whole hand is in her mouth activate her gag reflex by touching her soft pallet or the back of her throat.

Answer 6

When she bites your or some one Tell your dog "Bad dog!" and then put her in a kennel or on her leash, and you should do it for a mouth if she still bites, get a spray bottle and them spray her and say something like "Bad Dog" "No Biting" Don't be to harsh or she might run away. Your can also buy chew toys they releave stress for dogs maybe that's why shes biting.

Answer 7

You need to try some aversives to get her to stop. You can try Bitter Apple spray or Bitter Cherry spray. When she starts to bare her teeth, spray it in her mouth. You can get it at Petsmart or Petco, etc.
Has she had any type of obedience training? She might need guidance in other areas that's causing her to act out aggressively.

Answer 8

TAP (NOT HIT) ON MOUTH AND SAY BAD DOG. LISTEN TO HER GROWLS AND DON'T FOOL WITH HER TREATS OR FOOD. MAKE SURE NO KIDS ARE AROUND WHEN SHE IS EATING. I HAD ONE DOG THAT DIDN'T WANT ANYONE AROUND WHEN HE WAS EATING. I PUT THE FOOD DOWN AND TOLD THE KIDS THAT PEPE WAS EATING AND TO LEAVE HIM ALONE. TELL THE KIDS AND THE ADULTS EACH TIME. SOME HUMANS PLAY DUMB AND SAY THEY DIDN'T REMEMBER. MAKE SURE TO TELL THE DOG GOOD DOG WHEN SHE IS GOOD AND PAT HER GENTLEY ON THE HEAD. SOUNDS LIKE SOMEONE HAS TEASED THE DOG SINCE YOU HAVE GOTTEN HER.

Answer 9

the dog need chew toys cause that is what she/he want to do is chew
rawhides is best - if it affect your furniture etc get a product called lime away or bitter orange to stop her in the area

Answer 10

YOU SHOULD GET A TRAINING BOOK ON HOW TO TRAIN A DOG OR PUPPY!!!