Have you recently adopted a new puppy? Congratulations! Few things can bring as much joy and laughter into our lives as a new pet. There are also few things as adorable as puppies! Fido is almost impossibly adorable at this special stage. However, that cuteness does come with a price. You’ll need to do quite a bit of pet parenting over the next few months, in order to help your pooch grow into a polite, friendly adult dog. One thing you’ll need likely need to address is biting. While this article focuses on puppy biting, for more general information on preventing dog bites, check out our article on “Dog Bite Prevention Tips“. A local veterinarian offers some advice on this below.
Offer Suitable Chews
Puppies generally don’t bite out of aggression. They’re often curious about things. They may also bite or chew things to cope with the pain of teething. You’ll need to make sure that Fido always has plenty of suitable chew toys. Get your canine pal some durable playthings that will hold up to lots of abuse. Kong toys are also good for this.
Puppyproofing
This one is more about safety than petiquette. Little Fido often uses his nose and mouth to explore the world. He may try to learn more about something by, well, eating it. Remove or secure anything that could be dangerous to him. This includes things like toxic plants, plastic bags and ties, medicines, chemicals, and any small or sharp objects. You’ll also need to keep clothing in hampers, closets, or drawers. Store personal items, like purses and phones, out of paws’ reach.
Be Consistent
Consistency is always very important. Your canine pal won’t know the difference between similar objects. Don’t give your canine companion an old pair of sneakers, and then expect him to leave your new ones alone. If you need to tell Fido not to chew or bite something, use the same vocal commands each time.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Never yell at or punish your furry pal for misbehaving. This may make the little guy scared of you! If your puppy nips you or does something wrong, say ‘No’ or ‘Don’t bite’ in a firm tone. Then ignore him for a while. A quick ‘time out’ may help little Fido calm down.
Taste Deterrent
If little Fido constantly tries to bite, try using taste deterrent. In some cases, yelping—as a puppy would—can help him realize his mistake. This doesn’t always work, though: if it seems to rile your pet up, ask your vet or a professional dog behaviorist for advice.
Seek Help
Speaking about dog behaviorists, don’t be shy about enlisting a trainer. The cost of a few obedience sessions will be well worth it in the long run!
Do you have questions about puppy care? As your local vet clinic in West Greenwich, RI, we’re here to help! Call us anytime! For comprehensive puppy care, including essential vaccinations and wellness check-ups, be sure to explore our “Vet Wellness & Pet Vaccinations” services to give your new furry friend the best start in life.
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