Our Biting Behavior Training Could Help:
Reduce fear-based biting
Address anxiety-related biting
Manage teething behaviors
Improve impulse control
Build confidence in social settings
Enhance trust with owner
Prevent aggression toward other animals
Ensure safe interactions with children and adults
Stop Puppy Biting with Dog Training Elite
Dog & Puppy Biting Training in Grand Rapids, MI
Biting is a natural response for dogs, especially puppies. It can come from anxiety, fear, past experiences, or simply a lack of training. While biting may seem harmless, if left unchecked, it can become dangerous for other animals and pose serious safety risks to children and adults. Addressing this behavior early is essential to having a well-behaved, calm dog.
At Dog Training Elite, we offer customized training plans designed to address the root causes of biting. Whether it’s due to teething, fear, or other underlying issues, our trainers work closely with you to develop a targeted approach for your dog’s specific needs.
With DTE, you get expert training backed by nearly 50 years of experience and a commitment to excellence. With a focus on positive reinforcement training, we ensure your pup feels safe and secure while providing effective and lasting training results.
Call today to schedule your free consultation and stop biting behavior issues with our elite dog and puppy biting training in Grand Rapids, MI.
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Dog Training Elite is a professional, family-owned dog training company with over 40 years of experience that specializes in strengthening the bond between your dog and your family, with a strong emphasis on teaching your dog the highest level of obedience, despite even the toughest level of distractions.
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In a safe, controlled environment, we guide your dog through essential socialization skills, teaching them to remain calm, focused, and well-mannered, even in the midst of distractions.
FAQs
One of our trainers will visit your home to meet you and your dog and discuss any issues you're facing. We will then demonstrate one of our model dogs so you can see what you can expect after hiring our trainers. From there, we will discuss the various packages we offer and which we feel best suit your (and your dog's) needs.
We provide full obedience training that covers all basic commands, both on and off-leash. Our in-home visits target specific issues like counter-surfing, digging, and more. Unlike some trainers, we work with all breeds, including those often considered challenging.
Yes. You (and anyone in your family who wants to be involved) are integral to your dog getting trained. We need you to practice 5-6 days a week, about 15-20 minutes a day for optimal results.
Once a week. We come to you (with the silver, gold and platinum packages) once a week to start your dog off, then you come to park sessions which are held once a week in Grand Rapids.
We train dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments. Whether your dog is a tiny Chihuahua or a large Mastiff, we have the experience and expertise to work with them.
Dog Training Elite West Michigan
How to Get a Puppy To Stop Biting? Teach them that Biting Hurts
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Getting a puppy to quit mouthing is actually very simple. You just have to teach your puppy that biting hurts.
How do you teach this? By helping your puppy learn “bite inhibition.” Bite inhibition is a puppy or a dog’s ability to control how hard they bite. Typically puppies learn bite inhibition from playing with other puppies. Biting or mouthing is a common play tactic between puppies and dogs, but occasionally a puppy will bite too hard. This causes their playmate to yelp with pain and stop playing.
The reaction of the bitten puppy helps the puppy who did the biting realize their mistake and learn not to bite so hard. Just like puppies learn how to be gentle with each other, they can learn the same lesson from humans. Even if your puppy has learned bite inhibition while playing with other puppies or dogs, they still need to be taught how sensitive human skin is.
Follow the example of your puppy’s playmates. Let your puppy mouth your hands during play. When they bite you too hard, yelp like a puppy and let your hand go limp to indicate that you have been hurt. This should stop your puppy from continuing to bite you or continuing to play. When they stop, or if they attempt to make you feel better by licking your hand, praise your puppy and resume play. You can also try “time-outs” for your puppy, where you stop playing for 20 seconds after being bitten.
The goal is to teach your puppy that if they bite, playing stops. If they are gentle, play continues. Make sure to reward your puppy with praise and possibly treats when they do a good job. At Dog Training Elite, we know positive reinforcement is the best and most effective way to train puppies and dogs.
Take it to the Next Level
Dog Training Elite West Michigan
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Once your puppy understands that they shouldn’t bite human skin hard, start working on teaching them not to bite human skin at all. Use the same techniques of yelping and stopping play. Over time, gradually reduce the amount of biting you allow until your puppy eventually learns not to bite at all.
Some other techniques for to stop mouthing include the distraction method. If your puppy tends to want to bite you when you pet them, distract them with treats so they'll get used to being touched without mouthing your hands or arms. Keep your puppy’s favorite toy with you, and if they starts mouthing your hands, give them the toy to bite instead.
Additional Behavioral Training
Socialization
Fear & Reactiveness
Destructive Chewing & Digging
Separation Anxiety
Excessive Barking
Staying & Coming
Stealing Food, Clothing, or Other Objects
Resource Guarding
Food Guarding & Begging
Mouthing, Nipping & Rough Play
Anxiety & Submissive Urination
Jumping Up & Hyperactivity
Excessive Licking
Leashing
Abnormal Repetitive Behaviors
Escaping
Heeling
Potty Training
What to Avoid
Dog Training Elite West Michigan
There are some behaviors we humans tend to engage in when we want to play with puppies that actually encourage them to bite. If you’re at a loss for how to stop a puppy from biting, make sure to avoid these habits:
Wiggling your fingers or toes in your puppy’s face can encourage biting behavior, making it harder to teach proper play.
Jerking your hands away can trigger your puppy to lunge and bite harder—stay calm and redirect their focus.
Hitting or slapping a puppy for biting is cruel and counterproductive. It can lead to fear or increased aggression in your dog.
At Dog Training Elite, we never use physical punishment to train puppies and dogs. We focus on rewarding desired behaviors. This method of training helps build a strong, loving bond between puppies and their owners.
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Dog Training Elite
Contact Us Today and Stop Puppy Biting in Grand Rapids, MI
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Teaching your pup not to bite is a huge accomplishment. But puppies have so much more to learn, and even the thought of having to train a puppy can be overwhelming. If you’re struggling with your puppy’s destructive behavior or looking for help with general training, call Dog Training Elite West Michigan. We have a tried and true training method that really works for dogs of any age, including puppies. Dog Training Elite offers both individual in–home training and obedience classes for puppies.
In–home training is the perfect way to help you and your puppy bond while working with one of our professional trainers. Our trainers will adapt training to your environment and needs and empower you to continue training on your own. Obedience classes are also a great way to help your puppy learn by exposing them to other dogs and people and new sights and sounds. Combining in–home training with obedience classes ensures a well–behaved puppy who learns quickly.
Contact Dog Training Elite today for a free in–home consultation or schedule a free training demo to see what your puppy can become.