Poodle

　　Many Teddies like to bite people including their owners. Some Teddies bite because of teething during puppyhood to grind their teeth, while others bite due to congenital bad temper and bad character leading to fake biting. However, real biting is not excluded. To avoid accidents, how can we stop Teddy's bad habit of biting?

　　The solution is:

　　Use the help of objects. That is, we usually buy some chew bones or similar items for them to chew on. Additionally, it is suggested to use a towel to tease them to bite. When they bite it, play tug-of-war together. If they can tear the towel making noise, their hunting desire will be greatly satisfied. Of course, after guiding them to bite, you need to enforce some rules, which is not allowing them to bite other things, only the things you permit. The benefit of this method is it releases their needs and helps them understand that not everything can be bitten.

　　After releasing this need, they may still bite hands. Don’t be anxious or think the previous method is wrong; this is due to the puppy's strong play desire. What to do if this happens? This time, strict regulation and control are needed. That is to use stimulation methods. Intentionally tease them to bite your hand (control the action carefully, and make sure the hand does not touch Teddy’s teeth). When they show signs of biting, immediately slap the back of your hand on their mouth. Slap a bit hard, and say “NO” in a stern tone.

　　Don’t be soft or afraid that they will be scared. The only thing to consider is whether your momentum can overwhelm them, and whether they react to your stimulation by stopping. Make sure they know what they are doing is wrong. This method can be repeated several times. When they begin to realize your punishment (showing displeasure, sitting aside ignoring you, zoning out, or leaving), if this effect is achieved, your discipline has succeeded half-way. Why only half-way? Because if you let fear remain long-term in their mind, it will leave psychological shadows. How to remedy this? This is where rewards come in later. Reward methods can include petting, good commands, food, giving them favorite items, or taking them to play. These methods can be used together or separately, mainly depending on your own application.

　　If the biting is food-motivated (mainly shown by licking first then biting), the correction is to place the food in your palm next time you feed them, let them smell the scent, then touch their mouth with the back of your finger. They might try to bite your hand. When they just open their mouth to bite, lightly tap their mouth and give the “NO” command. Repeat several times, then open your palm to feed them.

　　Editor’s advice: Do not confuse rewards after training with everyday feeding. Discipline is essential. (Source: PetsZone)