I Would Put Biting In Two Groups

• Puppies 8 weeks through just about one year
• One year through an adult.

Puppies biting is normal, nothing having to do with abuse, illness, injury or bad upbringing. I'm always being asked how to fix a puppy from biting, especially children. This answer may surprise you because I don't want to stop my puppy from biting me. What I do with my own, is develop what I call a soft mouth.

The biting usually gets especially bad from about sixteen through twenty-four or twenty-six weeks. This period is similar to human children going through terrible two's. The puppy is having a hard time with growing up. Its teeth are changing, (milk teeth falling out and all new adult teeth ). Its mouth will be bothering him or her, and he or she needs to chew.

Every month of the puppy's first year is equal to one year of human development. Everything happens very fast. When I said I don't stop my puppy from biting me, they have scent glands on the roof of their mouths. So when they are biting me, they are taking my scent, it's a bonding mechanism. Can it be stopped, yes, but I honestly think you lose a little bit of the connection between owner and dog I teach the pup what I call a soft mouth by teaching the word easy.

When it comes to children, it gets difficult because kids are usually loud and running around, and to a puppy that means, game on. The pup is now in prey drive,(hunting instinct) going after the kids, and yes, biting. Kids have tender skin and the teeth hurt, they start yelling louder running faster and becoming more afraid of the puppy.

An older dog that has no other physical or emotional issues should have no problems with biting, except if someone initiated playtime and the dog just doesn't know when to stop. These are very common training issues, and usually pretty easy to fix.

Training is so much more than the heel, sit, stay, down and come. This is where a professional can make life with a dog a very special relationship!

If you need a professional to help you curb your dog’s biting habit, contact K-9 Communication in New Haven County, CT. Led by Registered Master Dog Trainer® Constantine “Gus” Marnell, this dog training institute works with all different breeds and ages. Gus has more than 50 years of experience, and always uses proven and loving techniques to teach dogs positive behaviors. If you’re interested in learning more about their dog training services, contact them online or call (203) 874-7299.