A dog undergoing training with the experts at Dog Training Elite - get professional puppy biting training in Knoxville, TN and help your dog curb this bad habit.

Professional

Biting Behavior Training

Dog Training Elite Knoxville

Request Free Assessment

Request Free Assessment

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 Knoxville, TN

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 balanced training, we ensure your pup feels safe and secure while providing effective and lasting results.

Call today to schedule your free consultation and stop biting behavior issues with our elite dog and puppy biting training in Knoxville, TN.

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You and your canine companion really can have it all. See how easy it can be to become a member of the elite pup society by requesting a free consultation today!

A Dog Training Elite Knoxville owner smiling with his dog in Knoxville, TN.

Dog Training Elite Knoxville

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.

An image of an adorable puppy - get expert puppy biting training in Knoxville, TN with Dog Training Elite.

Take it to the Next Level

Dog Training Elite Knoxville

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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

Dog Training Elite Knoxville - Knoxville Dog Socialization Classes. DTE
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Destructive Chewing & Digging
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Stealing Food, Clothing, or Other Objects
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Resource Guarding
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Food Guarding & Begging
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Mouthing, Nipping & Rough Play
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Anxiety & Submissive Urination
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Jumping Up & Hyperactivity
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Excessive Licking
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Leashing
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Abnormal Repetitive Behaviors
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Escaping
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Heeling

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Desirae Wagnon
    Jun. 9, 2025
    Graci came and helped us with our needs!! She made sure we understood everything about the training. I can’t wait to work with the team on training!
  • Calie Benke
    Jun. 5, 2025
    Reina is a wonderful trainer for our needs. She was straightforward, understanding, transparent, helpful, confident - all the necessary traits for a couple of newbies like us. She is an invaluable resource to rely on as our rambunctious puppy is turning into a well-behaved pup. The cost feels a little pricey, but our journey with Reina has eased the anxiousness around it. Highly recommend!
  • Jen Newell
    May. 8, 2025
    Great job. So far. Been working with our puppy now for 7 weeks. Thank you Cost is expensive but well worth it. Reina is amazing she's very patient very understanding very loving caring group of people. We have worked with a couple of other trainers but I really like Reina. If you get a chance take it
  • Wendy Mendelsohn
    May. 28, 2025
    Will start training tomorrow, but the initial assessment went well. Was very impressed with what to expect from the outcome of the program. 1st session: Kenna was my trainer today and it went very well. She was kind and positive, my pup responded wonderfully.
  • Dannie Harris
    Jan. 14, 2025
    Another great trip out with Kenna! She was so helpful! I highly recommend this company…next to the mall.
  • Herbert Knapp
    May. 30, 2025
    Awesome very knowledgeable and understanding really was interested in what I was looking to get out this Training very much put my mind at ease
  • APRIL MCVAY
    May. 30, 2025
    Dog Training Elite provide top-notch training for your dogs. Parker worked directly on leash aggression with Sam. The problem was corrected during our session. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite!
  • Lori-Anne Williams
    May. 29, 2025
    Reina's dedication to excellence helped "my Hannah" become a happy, obedient, and confident dog. When I adopted Hannah as a puppy from a shelter, she came to me with absolutely no training or discipline. I felt extremely frustrated because I was so unprepared to provide the training she needed, but Reina came right in and confidently met BOTH of our needs. She quickly made the adjustments we needed and personalized our program for us with tremendous patience and incredible kindness. Ultimately, she taught us both exactly what we needed to know!
  • Christie Steier
    May. 28, 2025
    I cannot say enough about how pleased I am with the services of Dog Training Elite of Nashville. Reina was wonderful. She was very professional but at the same time very friendly and kind. I can tell she really loves dogs and her job! The difference in my dog’s behavior is amazing. I no longer worry about being injured by being dragged down the street when I walk him, or having to lift him into the car. I can take him out with me more and he is so well behaved that everyone that sees him loves him. Thank you Reina!
  • Carmen McKinley
    Apr. 29, 2025
    Montana was extremely professional, very nice, friendly and LOVES DOGS! She was very helpful from our first training session on. I look forward in seeing how she can help in so many ways with my new puppy!!
  • Ashley Reynolds
    May. 27, 2025
    So friendly and knowledgeable! Millie is making progress in less than a week!
  • Kristy Schnetzler
    Apr. 3, 2025
    Reina is wonderful! Our fur baby continually has progress week over week!! Our goal is to have Gabby trained as a service companion for our little one, with Raina's help, we are confident we will get there! We so appreciate all you do for us and think you, you are absolutely amazing!!!!
  • Saba Chishti
    Apr. 10, 2025
    Lots of patience and guidance! Would highly recommend. She answered all of our questions and more!
  • Robert Law
    May. 19, 2025
    We did the assessment with Reina and they are fantastic! I would 100% recommend their services over anyone else.
  • Dale Herrington
    May. 9, 2025
    She was very knowledgeable and helpful.
  • Taeron Thomas
    May. 8, 2025
    It was a very straightforward process and very detailed price wise was the only hit definitely looking in to it
  • Joe Coomer
    May. 6, 2025
    Excellent
  • S Nabrotzky
    May. 4, 2025
    Dog Training Elite, especially Parker has helped us enjoy our dog so much more. He does have the annoying troublesome behaviors. He’s more content and obedient. We can have guests over and everyone is comfortable. We are so pleased with what Dog Training has done for us.
  • Kyle Wagner
    May. 2, 2025
    Second in home visit and my pup is making amazing progress. Very happy with the service!
  • Holly Homant
    Apr. 30, 2025
    Carol was super kind and helpful!
  • Desirae Wagnon
    Jun. 9, 2025
    Graci came and helped us with our needs!! She made sure we understood everything about the training. I can’t wait to work with the team on training!
  • Calie Benke
    Jun. 5, 2025
    Reina is a wonderful trainer for our needs. She was straightforward, understanding, transparent, helpful, confident - all the necessary traits for a couple of newbies like us. She is an invaluable resource to rely on as our rambunctious puppy is turning into a well-behaved pup. The cost feels a little pricey, but our journey with Reina has eased the anxiousness around it. Highly recommend!
  • Jen Newell
    May. 8, 2025
    Great job. So far. Been working with our puppy now for 7 weeks. Thank you Cost is expensive but well worth it. Reina is amazing she's very patient very understanding very loving caring group of people. We have worked with a couple of other trainers but I really like Reina. If you get a chance take it
  • Wendy Mendelsohn
    May. 28, 2025
    Will start training tomorrow, but the initial assessment went well. Was very impressed with what to expect from the outcome of the program. 1st session: Kenna was my trainer today and it went very well. She was kind and positive, my pup responded wonderfully.
  • Dannie Harris
    Jan. 14, 2025
    Another great trip out with Kenna! She was so helpful! I highly recommend this company…next to the mall.
  • Herbert Knapp
    May. 30, 2025
    Awesome very knowledgeable and understanding really was interested in what I was looking to get out this Training very much put my mind at ease
  • APRIL MCVAY
    May. 30, 2025
    Dog Training Elite provide top-notch training for your dogs. Parker worked directly on leash aggression with Sam. The problem was corrected during our session. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite!
  • Lori-Anne Williams
    May. 29, 2025
    Reina's dedication to excellence helped "my Hannah" become a happy, obedient, and confident dog. When I adopted Hannah as a puppy from a shelter, she came to me with absolutely no training or discipline. I felt extremely frustrated because I was so unprepared to provide the training she needed, but Reina came right in and confidently met BOTH of our needs. She quickly made the adjustments we needed and personalized our program for us with tremendous patience and incredible kindness. Ultimately, she taught us both exactly what we needed to know!
  • Christie Steier
    May. 28, 2025
    I cannot say enough about how pleased I am with the services of Dog Training Elite of Nashville. Reina was wonderful. She was very professional but at the same time very friendly and kind. I can tell she really loves dogs and her job! The difference in my dog’s behavior is amazing. I no longer worry about being injured by being dragged down the street when I walk him, or having to lift him into the car. I can take him out with me more and he is so well behaved that everyone that sees him loves him. Thank you Reina!
  • Carmen McKinley
    Apr. 29, 2025
    Montana was extremely professional, very nice, friendly and LOVES DOGS! She was very helpful from our first training session on. I look forward in seeing how she can help in so many ways with my new puppy!!
  • Ashley Reynolds
    May. 27, 2025
    So friendly and knowledgeable! Millie is making progress in less than a week!
  • Kristy Schnetzler
    Apr. 3, 2025
    Reina is wonderful! Our fur baby continually has progress week over week!! Our goal is to have Gabby trained as a service companion for our little one, with Raina's help, we are confident we will get there! We so appreciate all you do for us and think you, you are absolutely amazing!!!!
  • Saba Chishti
    Apr. 10, 2025
    Lots of patience and guidance! Would highly recommend. She answered all of our questions and more!
  • Robert Law
    May. 19, 2025
    We did the assessment with Reina and they are fantastic! I would 100% recommend their services over anyone else.
  • Dale Herrington
    May. 9, 2025
    She was very knowledgeable and helpful.
  • Taeron Thomas
    May. 8, 2025
    It was a very straightforward process and very detailed price wise was the only hit definitely looking in to it
  • Joe Coomer
    May. 6, 2025
    Excellent
  • S Nabrotzky
    May. 4, 2025
    Dog Training Elite, especially Parker has helped us enjoy our dog so much more. He does have the annoying troublesome behaviors. He’s more content and obedient. We can have guests over and everyone is comfortable. We are so pleased with what Dog Training has done for us.
  • Kyle Wagner
    May. 2, 2025
    Second in home visit and my pup is making amazing progress. Very happy with the service!
  • Holly Homant
    Apr. 30, 2025
    Carol was super kind and helpful!

What to Avoid

Dog Training Elite Knoxville

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.

A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite Knoxville.
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Dog Training Elite

Contact Us Today and Stop Puppy Biting in Knoxville, TN

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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 Knoxville. 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.