Biting is a nasty habit and can be mild or extremely severe. So today we're going to talk about how to make your dog stop biting.
Why do dogs bite?
Did you know that in the US, it is estimated that approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year? And that 20% of cases end up in infections and require medical care.
Although the data is high, it is important to say that the majority of dog bites are not caused by an aggressive dog . But there are several other reasons that can lead to this behavior, check it out:
Teeth exchange
As puppies (usually between four and six months old), dogs change from baby teeth to permanent ones. This process of dental growth and adaptation can be very uncomfortable, which leads puppies to look for where to bite to relieve their gums.
puppy play
The most common reason why a dog bites is playing. This is a way that the dog naturally learned to interact with other beings.
The bites here are usually weak, but if you don't stop this behavior quickly, they will soon become stronger and more painful. And it can even make the dog understand that biting is not a problem.
Want to draw attention
Dogs also use the bite to get their owner's attention and this can show that he is feeling:
- Lonely
- Bored
- Sad
- Anxious And many other feelings.
Dog in pain
If the dog is sick or in pain, this suffering can cause him to bite if you touch the spot. In that case, the cause of the bite is more easily identifiable and it is essential to take the dog to the vet to treat the pain.
Brave puppy
Finally, there are, of course, cases in which the dog behaves aggressively and reacts with bites and attacks when it feels threatened.
It is important to say that there are no wild dog breeds, as many believe. The Pit Bull and the Rottweiller, for example, are great victims of this stigma. What happens is that angry dogs are bred to act as such and end up biting as a fear reaction.
Tutors or breeders create a hostile environment, mistreat the animals, leave them always scared and on alert or even raise dogs for exploitation in fights and fights. With this, the dog learns to react aggressively, which can be very dangerous.
How to make a puppy stop biting
The first step in getting your puppy to stop biting is to understand the cause of this behavior. Then you can proceed with the following solutions:
Use teethers for teething
If the dog bites because he is uncomfortable with tooth growth, he will need to be redirected to bite on an object that can be bitten and this will alleviate the discomfort.
There are several teethers for puppies , which help in this stage of life. Remember that dog biting at this stage is completely natural and instinctive, and the dog needs it. Never scold him!
Bet on interactive toys
If the bite is given while the dog is playing, offering interactive toys is interesting so that he can have fun and expend energy. In that case, he will focus his energy on other activities and stop focusing on biting.
Stuffable toys (that you put treats inside) are great for keeping him entertained for longer.
Racing, frisbee, and fetching are all great games to tire your dog out and allow him to spend some quality time with you.
Do not encourage bites
If you are playing with your pet, he bites your hand and you let him, he will understand that as a healthy game and will want to continue. What you need to do is:
- Stop the prank and ignore him for a short period. If he doesn't stop trying to bite, change the environment and move away from the dog.
- Say “no” emphatically and show that you are hurting. Dogs are attached to tutors and usually understand that the joke wasn't cool.
- Don't pull your hand away quickly. This reaction will be understood by the dog as a joke and can even hurt you if he has his teeth in your hand.
- If he plays without biting, praise and pet him. Positive training is very effective and, over time, he is likely to understand that not biting is better than biting, as he receives “rewards” for doing so.
- Never curse or use violence against the animal.
Biting an adult dog: how to stop it
Spending more quality time with your pet during the day is also very important, so that he feels less anxious.
How to treat a dog bite
A dog bite can be quite serious, especially if it's deep. In the dog's mouth is a plethora of bacteria, which can cause the wound to inflame and become infected.
Therefore, the first step, as soon as you are bitten, is to wash well with soap and water . If it is bleeding, cover it with gauze or a towel and go to a hospital or health center as soon as possible.
If the dog that bit you is unknown and you don't know about his vaccination history, you may need to get a rabies vaccine . Although it is now a rarer disease, rabies still exists and the possibility must be considered.