How To Train A German Shepherd Puppy Not To Bite
How to Stop a German Shepherd Puppy from Biting
Are you at your wit’s end trying to get your beloved puppy to stop biting?
Make sure you don’t give up too soon!
We’re here to help you figure out how to teach your German Shepherd puppy not to bite.
What Causes My German Shepherd Puppy to Bite?
To figure out how to deal with this behavior, you must first understand why it is being displayed.
Teething
When your puppy’s teeth are developing, they will bite. If this is the case, don’t worry; they’ll stop biting once the teething period is over.
Inadequate Training
Puppy litters are sometimes separated from their littermates because they aren’t well-trained. They don’t have enough time to interact with one another and learn more about social norms.
Strong Prey Attraction
Puppies with a high prey drive are drawn to movement, which is why they’re more likely to bite your ankle as you walk.
Herding Dogs
Furthermore, some German Shepherd puppies are herding dogs. Herding breeds are responsible for keeping the sheep contained within the flock.
To reclaim the rebellious sheep, they usually use their mouths, which translates to biting.
Exploring the Environment
Your puppy may bite because it is curious about its surroundings or because it is bored and wants your attention.
What to Do If Your German Shepherd Puppy Bites You
Throughout your puppy’s training journey, there are some effective ideas you can use.
Talk to your puppy in his or her own language.
The idea is to play with your dogs in the same way that their littermates would.
This will give them an idea of what is and is not acceptable.
- Begin by playing with your puppy, encouraging them to chase after your hand.
- When they bite your hand, yelp or say “ouch” and move away from them to show that you’re in pain.
- Take a break from your puppy’s play.They’ll understand that biting isn’t acceptable this way.
- Repeat this exercise until your puppy no longer bites while playing.
Teach Them Your Language
You should teach them your language this time. Your puppy should be able to understand the word “no” as an objection.
Say “No” the second their teeth touch your hand, whether you’re playing with your dog or doing anything else.
Pulling your puppy away gently while firmly saying “No” each time this happens will teach them that biting is strict.
Make new acquaintances.
It’s time for your dog to meet new people. If at all possible, introduce your puppy to other vaccinated dogs.
When dogs play together, they learn how to act and react on their own. Other dogs will alert your puppy if he bites too hard.
Make the Most of Your Treat Time
Treat time can be put to good use in order to get the most out of the training. Keep the treat in your closed fist and show it to your puppy instead of giving it to your dog.
If they begin to bite your hand, refuse to give them the treat and tell them “No.” When they stop biting, give them praise for their good behavior before giving them the treats.
Is Using Toys to Stop Your Puppy Biting Effective?
While chewing toys serve as a distraction, they can also be used to relieve gum pain if your puppy is teething.
You can experiment with different chew toys or even teething rings to see what works best for your puppy.
Can You Stop Your Puppy From Biting with Games?
The puppy won’t stop biting if you play games with him.
They can, however, be familiar at any point, either to keep them busy or to teach them how to act in social situations.
Fetch
You can use “fetch” to distract your puppy’s attention away from your hand and toward the ball. It’s very straightforward.
- Toss the ball for your puppy to fetch.
- Contact them by phone.
- Reward your puppy when he or she brings you the ball.
- Continue repeating the game.
The Game of Car Washing
Some puppies aren’t used to being handled, which could explain why they bite. The goal of this game is to make touching your puppy normal.
- Sit on the floor and stretch your legs before opening your arms.
- Ask the dog to stand on one of your legs.Toss a snack to the opposing team.
- Gently pat your puppy on the back as they pass the treat over your leg.
- Play this game with different treats each time, and as the puppy becomes more accustomed to having their back touched, try touching their neck or tail.
What Shouldn’t Be Done?
When training your dog to stop biting, there are a few things you should avoid. The first thing you should do is avoid yelling or hitting your dog. Why?
You’ll be giving them what they want if they’re biting for your attention. Furthermore, it will cause them to have negative feelings, which we do not want.
Also, don’t move your hand away from them if they try to bite it. They might think it’s a game and continue to try to bite you.
Last but not least, avoid shock collars because they will only cause pain to your puppy and will not solve the problem.
What Should You Do?
There are a few things to keep in mind when attempting the aforementioned training methods.
Reward
Reward your puppy for being a good boy or girl. Give them a treat whenever they behave well and stop biting during training to let them know they’re doing well.
Consistency
Don’t give up without a fight! Consistency is required when training your dog. You’ll have to keep repeating the process until you get a satisfactory result.
Be strict as well; kind, but firm. They must understand that you are in command.
Understanding
Finally, keep in mind that your puppy has no idea that biting is bad. It is your responsibility to teach and train them.
All of your efforts with them as puppies will pay off later in the form of good dogs.
Is it Easy to Train German Shepherd Puppies?
Yes. German Shepherds are intelligent dogs who will understand what you require and act accordingly. All you have to do is be patient and firm enough.
They’ve been used as herding dogs, police dogs, and guard dogs over the years. This is due to their determination, activity, and quick response to threats.
