Training Puppies

Lesson 4: Behavior Problems

What we perceive as a problem may be perfectly normal behavior for a puppy, so when we determine the reason behind certain behavior, it's much easier to guide that behavior into one that is acceptable to us.

Chewing, Nipping

Chewing
Chewing is a natural puppy behavior. Puppies chew because they are discovering the world around them just as human babies do, or they are teething. Sometimes they chew because of boredom or stress, or even separation anxiety. They can’t smoke or chew their fingernails so they chew your furniture. Some chewing problems can be avoided by crating or confining your puppy to a small area when you aren’t able to supervise him or by putting away shoes, books, etc. He can be discouraged from chewing other things such as furniture, by spraying on Bitter Apple and directing his attention toward his own chew toys. When you catch him chewing something inappropriate, scold him and give him one of his chew toys. Try offering him nylabones or rope toys that have been wet and frozen. These will soothe the irritation of teething. When you find him chewing his own toys, praise him. For some difficult situations you can try booby trapping the object he likes to chew. Use a pebble can and thread and tape it where it will fall and startle him when he starts to chew. Be sure the pebbles cannot fall out of the can as he may swallow one out of curiousity. Avoid teasing and playing tug of war games with him. These only teach him to use his teeth.

Chewing is a behavior that most dogs outgrow with time.

Nipping
Nipping within the litter is normal puppy behavior. Puppies who are allowed to play with their littermates for the first 6 to 8 weeks of life, learn bite inhibition. When they play too rough, the other puppy yelps and stops playing. In other words, the fun stops. But the amount of rough play that is acceptable on a puppy’s tough skin and fur may not be acceptable on human skin. First, avoid jerking your hand away or slapping at him as the puppy may consider this a game and try even harder to nip you. You can speak to him in his own puppy language by giving a loud yelp and stopping play. Glare at him for a second or two and then do not touch him or look at him or talk to him for a few minutes. Puppies do not like to be ignored. If he doesn’t take the hint, and keeps nipping at you, a squirt of Bitter Apple or a one part vinegar, six parts water solution into his mouth, or a few minutes in his crate to settle down may be appropriate. If you are consistent, he will learn that when he plays too rough, the fun stops. Over several weeks, he will learn to play gentler. It’s also helpful to avoid teasing, chasing or tug of war games. Again, this is a behavior that most dogs outgrow with time.

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