Are you starting to walk on furniture to avoid your tiny puppy’s pirahna teeth, it is time to put a stop to that nipping and biting behavior. Puppies naturally nip each other when they are playing, bite things as part of their exploration of their surroundings and bite to get your attention. If they are removed from their mother and siblings before they learn what is acceptable, their new owners are apt to have bloody toes or nip marks all over their hands and arms. How can you stop that puppy’s rotten behavior?

1. Firmly say “No” and replace your body with a chew toy. If your puppy continues to bite, place it in a crate until it calms down. Don’t act angry. Simply put your puppy away quietly.
2. Encourage the behaviors you want with praise. You may want to come up with a few words you repeat whenever one of these behaviors occurs, such as saying “kisses” when your puppy licks you.
3. Ignore your puppy if it starts to bite. Fold your arms and turn away. Don’t jump around and make a lot of noise. That will just wind your puppy up further.
4. If your puppy is persistant with nipping, try spritzing yourself with Bitter Apple or vinegar.
5. Avoid games that encourage nipping, such as tug of war.

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Some new puppy owners feel bad about being firm with their little furballs. Just remember that saying no now means a well behaved dog later. What’s cute in a puppy is not so cute in a full grown dog! Being firm with your puppy is the best way to show that you love it. After all, you’re making sure that you will have a dog that is a joy to be around and has no bad behavior problems as an adult.

So, the next time your little rascal comes to the dinner table, stands up on its hind legs and looks at you with those big sad eyes, say “No” and make sure you mean it.

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Knowing your puppy’s normal behavior is one of the most important things you can do to keep your puppy feeling good. If you know how much it usually eats and drinks, how often it usually sleeps and how it moves, you’ll notice changes in behavior before they become drastic. Also, knowing that your sensitive little pup cries heartbreakingly if you comb its hair will keep you from hyperventilating if it yips when someone steps on its paw.

Weighing your puppy on a daily basis is also a good idea. If it is losing weight, you should consult your veterinarian, who may want to worm your puppy and give it a physical to rule out more serious problems.

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