Commonly asked question, with a wide range of answers online. Puppy biting is one of the most frequent problems faced by owners. It can be painful, frustrating, tiring and time consuming to deal with. The reality is, puppies bite! It's natural, normal and all puppies should be provided with the opportunity to bite (safely).

 

Mouthing and biting can continue well past puppy-hood. Let's look further into why this happens... All dogs are born with something called a Canine Predatory Sequence or Motor Pattern. This sequence of behaviours is what wild dogs would use to hunt prey and to survive. The sequence of behaviours is ORIENT > EYE > STALK > CHASE > GRAB-BITE > KILL-BITE > DISSECT > CONSUME. Some breeds have been specifically bred to express a higher intensity of specific parts of the sequence (think of stalking Collies, and chasing Sighthounds). It is rare for a domesticated dog to retain ALL parts of the sequence, but it does happen.

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These behaviours can, will and should be expressed in a dog's daily life. How they are expressed, and on what, makes all the difference. We can use the Predatory Sequence to our advantage, to provide enrichment and stimulation for our dogs & puppies.

A puppy is much more likely to bite your feet if you walk past them, or bite a toy if you wave it around. Why? Because we are triggering the Chase & Bite elements of the predatory sequence. Does your puppy shred and destory toys? Or maybe pillows, slippers and the post? This is your puppy activating the Dissect part of the sequence.

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This is normal. They are genetically wired to do this. Your puppy isn't being naughty or trying to be top dog, they're just...being. With this knowledge, we can give our puppies access to items which allow them to perform these behaviours safely.

Does your puppy like to chase and bite your slippers? Use a Flirt Pole!

Does your puppy like to shred toys and you can't afford to keep buying new ones? Give them a cardboard box to rip. Stuff an old sock and let them shred and dissect it.

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Replace the behaviour you don't like, and provide the puppy with an activity that stimulates their innermost desires.

So, with all that in mind. Should you punish your puppy for biting? Well, would you punish a baby for crying? Or would you meet their needs, knowing they would likely stop crying once their needs are met?

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If you need help with your puppy, or you're finding it impossible to work out what activities are best for them, get in touch for personalised support.