Struggling with an overexcited Labrador? Having an overexcited dog who has a habit of biting uncontrollably isn’t easy. Initially, such habits seem cute, childish, and foolish. But later on, things start annoying when they become a part of your dog’s life and are damaging your peace around. Sounding like your real-life story? If yes, then continue reading.
Why Are Lab Puppies Aggressive Biters?
Labrador Retrievers, though, are generally very calm dogs; some dogs can turn out completely opposite. It isn’t much expected with Lab puppies, but the ones who are nine to ten weeks old turn aggressive bites.
However, at some stage of their puppyhood, Labradors, or any other dog breed for that matter, becomes aggressive biters. Such dogs are completely normal, and they have not at all turned into demons. They will be going to keep on biting for a while and will gradually improve with regular training.
When Do Puppies Stop Biting And How To Cope Up With It?
Puppies start teething around the age of 3 to 4 months, and that’s when they begin exploring the surroundings with their mouth.
Biting due to teething is very common, similar to that of human babies who want to bite everything while they have teeth. It is because gums give a tingling sensation and often itch, which easily release with biting or nibbling over something.
Puppies usually stop biting at the age of 7 to 8 months, probably when they have a full set of grown teeth. It happens naturally without any ‘no-bite’ training. However, in some exceptional cases, training becomes necessary, or these puppies will later become uncontrollable biters and dangerous dogs.
In instances when your puppy doesn’t stop biting, give him a high-pitched yelp. You don’t need to be particularly aggressive, but it is important to give a tight scold so that the dog realizes biting behaviour is wrong. You can also ignore the dog or leave the room for a minute or so in order to show your disagreement with their behavior.
Labrador Puppy Biting And Nipping Behaviour
Biting, Nipping and Mouthing are some of the most common dog behavior you will come across in your Labrador. As a breed, Labradors usually are very calm, obedient, and well-behaved dogs, but Biting and Nipping are a vital part of their growing-up behavior.
They won’t rip through your skin but would often get the help of your hand, feet, ankle, and even mouth. This type of biting, which is commonly known as ‘Play biting’, is completely normal for growing Labs. Though since, at the end of the day, they are animals, Labs do not know how hard ‘not’ is to go and when to stop.
But with proper guidance, early training, and some tips and tricks, Labrador’s biting behavior can be improved.
Methods To Teach A Lab Puppy Not To Bite
Labrador puppies are incredibly smart and lucky; with a few simple training techniques and positive reinforcement, they will get over their biting habit. Ready to learn more about it:
Firstly, learn why your Labrador puppy is biting. Is it out of curiosity, playfulness, or any other instinct?
- Use Command training in order to keep your Labrador puppy from biting. Words like ‘Stop’, ‘No’, ‘Leave’, and ‘Get Back’ work positively. Keep on repeating the common in a disapproving tone until the dog stops.
- Use high-pitched yelp if your Lab puppy is biting you. Yelp is a No so that the dog can understand they are harming you. Avoid Yelping in excitement.
- Redirect your Labrador’s attention with dog-safe rubber chews or teething toys.
- Give your puppy some ice cubes, frozen carrots, broth cubes, etc., if he is biting due to teething.
- Allow your Labrador puppy to socialize with other dogs, and they will soon enough learn about the consequences of biting.
- Involve your Labrador puppy in a game of fetch or tug of war. Allow them to bite and pull without harming anyone physically. Such games also tire out the puppy, which results in less biting and nibbling around.
- Instead of letting your Lab puppy bite or encouraging their behaviour, give them punishment. The punishment should be as harmless but effective as time out. Simply take away attention from your dog and encourage them never to repeat the same.
- Just like punishing, rewarding is the next step. Whenever your Lab puppy stops himself from biting, reward him.
- Teach Bite Inhibition to your Lab puppy.
- Spray a taste deterrent on your hands and other belongings
How Do I Get My 4-Month-Old Lab To Stop Biting?
Four months is a very tender age for Labrador puppies. However, these are crucial growing months, and habits learned now stay alone forever. That is why, if your 4 months old Labrador puppy is biting uncontrollably, teach them to Stop there Right Away. Yelp at a high pitch and common the dog with words like STOP, LEAVE, NO, etc.
Since a 4-month-old dog must be biting due to teething, you can also give them a dog teether; a washed and peeled carrot, or some ice cubes to munch on. It will resist them from biting on you or other home items.
Why Won’t My Puppy Stop Biting Me?
If your puppy isn’t stopping biting you, it can be due to boredom or anxiety as well. Keeping a dog mentally active is as important as feeding him. Puppies who are bored can behave destructively and start biting things around or even people just out of boredom.
The behavior can escalate and become negative as the dog grow older. Similarly, fearful or anxious puppies, too, can begin biting unstoppably. It isn’t because they want to do the same but because they cannot find anything else to engage in.
If your dog is one of these, it is time to change your dog’s routine and provide him with some mental stimulation. Offer puzzle toys to the dog, involve food trays that require mental focus or change your dog’s routine. Instead of keeping them at home all day long, take on short occasional walks or drives.
Wrapping up…
Biting is a common behavior in dogs, and no dog parent can get away with it. No matter which dog breed you have brought home, at some stage of life, he will definitely bite. And it should since that is what they have got those pointy, sharp teeth for.
But if your dog is biting uncontrollably, you should look at it before it is too late. The behavior might not bother you in the beginning, but gradually it can become an aggressive habit. However, if you fail to correct your dog’s uncontrollable biting behavior, appoint a dog trainer or behavior expert for the same. These professionals charge a good amount, but their services help several struggling dog owners.
Welcome To The Oxford Family! The Website Is Run And Managed By A Community Of Enthusiasts Informative About Pets. We Hope You Find It Useful.
