We are all familiar with the fact that puppies have a natural tendency to bite and chew on anything they can get their little paws on, including our fingers and toes. Let’s face it, those sharp puppy teeth can really hurt! Dealing with a puppy who bites can be quite challenging, especially if you have young children in the house. If you find yourself in this situation with a “land shark” at home, fear not! Dog trainer Taylor Cezanne has got your back. On Friday, December 13th, she shared a video shedding light on why puppies tend to bite, and her insights might just surprise you.
It turns out that puppies often resort to biting when they are feeling tired, bored, or simply because they see your hand as a playful object. Taylor emphasizes the importance of establishing a consistent puppy schedule and sticking to it. By setting a routine for your furry friend, you can help curb their biting behavior and create a harmonious environment for everyone at home.
Taylor also touches upon the crucial role of sleep in a puppy’s life. She emphasizes that puppies require a significant amount of sleep, typically around 18-20 hours a day. Lack of adequate rest can often lead to erratic and nippy behavior in puppies. So, ensuring that your furry companion gets ample sleep is key to managing their biting tendencies.
One commenter, @Tneeshh, shared their success story of following Taylor’s routine with their own puppy, who is now thriving at 16 weeks old. Consistency, as pointed out by @Tneeshh, is indeed the key to success in training your puppy. Another commenter, @Dr Cereal, sought advice on how to get their puppy to take a nap. Taylor’s response highlighted the importance of rewarding your puppy for settling and relaxing throughout the day, ultimately encouraging them to embrace restful moments.
In addition to her insightful tips, Taylor also recommends specific toys for biting puppies that can aid in redirecting their playful aggression. These toys, characterized by various noises and movements, are designed to engage your puppy in interactive play rather than allowing them to target your hands and feet. By engaging your puppy in playtime with these toys, you can help channel their energy in a positive and non-destructive manner.
It’s crucial to note that simply redirecting your puppy to a toy when they bite you is not the most effective approach. By doing so, you inadvertently reward the biting behavior. Instead, focus on providing your puppy with ample opportunities for rest, mental stimulation, and physical exercise to help them release their pent-up energy in a constructive way.
Ensuring that your puppy gets adequate naps in their crate away from distractions is another strategy recommended by experts. This practice not only allows your puppy to relax and reset but also prevents them from becoming overtired and overstimulated, leading to undesirable behavior patterns like the infamous “crazy witching hour at night.”
