Learning How to Train a Pitbull Puppy to Stop Biting
Pitbull puppies are one of the most adorable creatures on earth. They look so small and just love to put everything on their mouths as they explore their surroundings. Pitbull puppies are generally energetic dogs who love to play all the time. Unfortunately, when they begin to bite, even in a playful manner, their bites can be serious when they are adult dogs. That being said, as a responsible owner, it is important to know how to train a pitbull puppy to stop biting.
Adult pitbulls are more energetic and aggressive. Furthermore, their teeth may cause serious injuries even if you think that they are still young. Even if your pitbull puppy is just showing playful biting, it is still important to know how to train a pitbull puppy to stop biting. If you really care about your dog, you should stop this behavior while your dog is still in puppyhood. In order to change this behavior,you need to be patient enough to teach your dog proper manners with the use of positive reinforcement methods. These methods and sufficient supplies of toys and treats will change the biting behavior of your pitbull puppy. Here are the steps to take to keep your pup from biting you, other pets, and your possessions.
🐶How to Train a Pitbull Puppy to Stop Biting
🦴 Allow your pitbull to have a puppy time with his mom
Bite inhibition is the term that refers to how a puppy can control his desire to bite. Aside from that, it also refers to hard your dog bites. One of the primary methods to help your puppy learn bite inhibition is by allowing them to play with their siblings. Every time his siblings bite your pup, he will know that biting hurts and he should not do it to you and to other dogs. Also, if your dog bites his sibling, the sibling might cry and then they will stop playing. This will make your puppy realize that biting your playmates will end your game.
Also, when your pitbull puppy is bitten by his sibling, this is the only time when he will know that it hurts. After all, even if your dog is still a puppy their teeth can be sharp and painful. In addition to that, this realization will also teach your puppy not to bite all the time and not to bite too hard when they are playing with their mates.
According to studies, you must let pitbull puppy stay with his mom until he reaches at least 8 weeks old. This is the best time to learn proper socialization.
🦴Give teething toys to pitbull puppy
Buy your pup some teething toys. One of the possible reasons why your dog logs to bite whatever item he sees is that a tooth is growing and they find it uncomfortable. Another reason is it is their way of exploring the world. They are curious so they want to know what it is by biting your belongings. Sometimes they are also bored, so they look for something to do. And that is ruining your household items.
The adult teeth of pitbull usually start growing when they reach the age of 4-7 months. During these months, you will notice that their habit of biting everything they see increases. The growing tooth can be painful so they need to chew on something in order to get rid of the pain.
Give your pitbull toys that they can chew. When it comes to pitbull puppies, you might want to give them more durable toys because they can be really aggressive. You can also give them puzzle toys. If they are good dogs, fill the treats with peanut butter. If they have toys to chew on, it is less likely for your dog to bite you, your bag, shoes, and other similar items. You can carry these toys when you have to bring your dog with you. Having a toy to chew on will prevent aggressive behavior from occurring.
🦴Discourage biting every time your dog does it
As mentioned in the earlier part of this article, pitbulls are naturally born as energetic dogs. They have to release their energy by running, playing, and sometimes biting if they do not have anything else to do. If biting happens, it is important to make your pitbull realize that is bad. Do not scold him, just stop the game you are playing and ignore him. In this way, he will know that biting stops the game. Also, if he bites you, say the word “ouch” in a slightly loud voice. You must also show him the sudden change of your facial expression.
A lot of people tend to move around whenever their dog starts biting them. We advise to stay in one place because moving around will make you a more interesting target. Once your pitbull puppy calms down, wait for a couple of minutes before you ask him to play with you again. Whenever he tries to bite you, repeat the same process until your puppy learns to stop biting.
The best way to make your pup stop biting you is by instantly ending your game whenever he attempts to bite you because most puppies love to play with their owners.
For pitbull puppies who love to chew on your shoes, bedding, and charger, you can use a bitter spray deterrent. Your dog will not even try to go near your items because they cannot stand the smell of the deterrent.
🦴 Have a timeout
If your pitbull puppy keeps on biting you every time you play with him, saying “ouch” and stopping the game may not be effective. This is where you have to have a timeout. If your pup keeps on biting you in 10 minutes, it is best to have a timeout. A timeout is just similar to having a break. It is possible that your pit is struggling to control such behavior. If you cannot stop him, then have a break from the game.
When your dog tries to mouths your hands, feet, or other parts of your body, say the word “ouch!”, end your game, and ignore your puppy for several minutes. It is important to incorporate longer breaks for every successive bite. These periods make your dog realize that enjoyable things will end every time your puppy bites you.
🦴 No hands as toys
Sometimes, it is fun to engage your dog in games where you use your hands or feet as toys. After all, your adorable pup is small and is not capable of showing aggressive behavior. However, you must keep in mind that your pup will not stay like that forever.
When playing with your pup, only use toys. In this way, your pup will understand that hands are not meant for playing. Most importantly, hands are not chewed toys. Furthermore, you must also keep on sending mixed signals by telling him to stop biting, when you are letting him bite your fingers.
The same goes for your ankle and feet. Only allow her to play with dog toys and not your hands nor feet. If she still tries to nip on your fingers, timeout. Aside from that, you can also divert his attention to other toys.
🦴 Provide plenty of exercises
Exercise is very crucial among pitbulls. They are full of energy so they have to burn those energies in order to prevent them from showing unnecessary behavior.
Imagine yourself locked up in a room without electronic devices, internet, and no one to talk to, you will definitely go crazy due to boredom. It is the same with pitbulls too. When you leave them alone, they will go crazy especially if they lack exercise.
In addition to that, if you do not engage your pitbull in exercise, he can be overly excited whenever you try to play with your pup. Hence, make sure to at least take your pup for a walk in the park until they get tired. More often than not, when they reach home from a long walk, they will just sleep to regain their energy.
Having a walk in the park is the best form of exercise for your pitbull puppy because he gets to socialize with other dogs and humans. Furthermore, make sure you always have toys at home in case your pup gets bored. There are plenty of interactive toys that you can buy in the market. For pitbull puppies, the toys must be durable. Interactive toys are beneficial because they aid in stimulating your puppy physically and mentally.
🦴Do not ever think of punishing your pitbull puppy
It is normal for pitbull puppies to show annoying behaviors. As a responsible owner, you must know that scolding them and punishing will do any good. Negative reinforcement must never be a thing anymore especially when it comes to training your dogs.
While pitbulls may look muscular and brave, they are actually sensitive and they have a soft heart. Punishing them will only make them feel less appreciated and unloved. In addition to that, it will also make them shyer, anti-social, and reserved.
🦴Make sure to supervise them around other animals
Even if socializing with other animals is not a new experience for your dog, it is still important to supervise him. Remember, pitbulls are originally bred as fight dogs. Even though he does not bite you anymore, it is likely that your dog may injure other animals. This can be a huge problem which is why socialization is very crucial during puppyhood.
When socializing your dog, it would be best to allow him to get along with other animals, not only dogs. With proper supervision, you can monitor your pup while playing with other dogs. Aside from that, you can also discourage him if he is trying to bite his playmates.
No owners do not want their dogs to have positive socialization with other animals. Do not every keep around the favorite food and toys of your dog. It is highly likely that he will get jealous of other animals. Just let your dog play with them, and if he starts to bite, take your pitbull away from other animals before the situation worsens. Always keep in mind that you want to teach your puppy to stop biting.
🦴 Encourage bite warning
In knowing how to train a pitbull puppy to stop biting, it is important not to discourage bite warnings. Dogs in general will not bite without showing some signs. Some of these warning signs are staring, snapping, and growling. If you get rid of these signs then you will never know when your puppy will show biting behavior.
What you can just do is to pay attention the body movement of your dog and use it as a way to prevent your dog from biting. Pitbull puppies, just like other puppies will bite if they feel like someone si threatening them. If you see your dog is showing some warning signs, just walk away to calm the situation. Also, you might have to ask other people to stop bothering your pup.
In this way, not only your pitbull puppy will realize that bite warning are fine unlike the actual biting. However, we are not saying that you should force your dog to engage in dangerous and uncomfortable situations. The purpose of this is to lessen the biting behavior because it improves your bond.
🐶Final Thoughts
Taking care of a pitbull puppy is just like taking care of a child. It takes patience and determination to grow a well-behaved pitbull. How to train a pitbull puppy is not difficult as long as you know what to do and what not to do. The above-mentioned steps on training your pitbull to stop biting are normally effective. However, every pitbull puppy is not the same. One method may work for another, but may not work to your puppy. It is your responsibility to know your puppy and what will work best for him/her. Just make sure to use positive reinforcement and never force them.