Rough-housing and play nipping is the way puppies play with their litter-mates. Although puppies have sharp teeth and nipping can hurt, the intention is always play, and never meant to harm. Contrary to what you may have heard, you don’t need to inflict pain to stop your puppy from biting and mouthing. There’s a very simple, tried-and-true technique you can use to deter puppy play biting and mouthing, and teach Fido not to put teeth on human skin or clothes. It’s called the Tie-Down Technique.

Teach Bite Inhibition to Your Pup

Puppies get their first lessons in bite inhibition from their mother and litter-mates. If a puppy bites too hard, his play buddy yelps, stops playing, and leaves. Mother dogs usually freeze, and if that doesn’t work, they may growl or even nip the pup to stop the offensive biting.

Though most puppies learn bite inhibition (how to mouth and nip with a soft mouth), some puppies are taken from the mom and litter-mates too soon, or don’t have enough siblings with which to learn bite inhibition. These puppies may nip harder because they haven’t learned how to be gentle.

The good news is that puppies that have a “hard mouth” can be taught to have a “soft mouth.” However, instead of learning bite inhibition from their mothers and litter-mates, they learn it from us.

The following method works well because it mimics the kind of response a pup would receive from its mother or litter-mates.

Use a 3-ft, Chew-Proof Tie-Down

Provide a nice bed or comfy pad for the pup in an area that is easily accessible.

Next, attach a 3 ft. long, chew-proof tether or tie-down to your puppy’s harness or collar. Attach the other end of the tie-down to a large, sturdy piece of furniture, or mount it to a wall-mounted eye screw. (Please refer to the graphic below for more information).

Implement the Tie-Down Technique

Now, gently start petting your dog on the chest and behind the ears. All the while, speak to your puppy in a soft, calming tone of voice.

The instant your puppy puts its mouth on your body, let out a loud, high-pitched “ouch!” and then quickly remove your hand, turn, and walk away. Please note: The mouthing or nipping does not need to be painful. Your objective is simply to teach your puppy that it’s unacceptable for its mouth/teeth to touch any part of your body at any time. Show him that nipping results in unpleasant consequences by “turning off” any attention and social interaction with you.

Up the Ante

Wait about two minutes. Pick up a favorite chew toy, and walk over to your dog (still on tether). Tell your dog to “Sit.” Once your dog sits, offer him the chew, and say “Take,” but don’t let go of the chew. Hold onto the chew with one hand, while you soothingly pet your dog with the other hand.

Alternate which hand does the petting, and which one has the toy or chew. As long as your puppy’s teeth are on the chew, continue telling him how good he is. This is a great way to teach your pup what he should be doing – mouthing the chew, rather than your hand.

The very second that your puppy’s mouth leaves the chew and touches your hand, loudly yelp “Ouch!” and walk away with the chew. Remember that the nipping doesn’t need to hurt, and that you must respond to mouthing instantly. By reacting this way, you’re teaching your puppy that it’s “good” when he puts his teeth on the chew, but that it’s not “good” when he puts his teeth on you.

Ignore your puppy for about two minutes, and then repeat this exercise. Do this 5-10 times, and then take a break. It’s best to pet for short periods of time. The longer you pet your pup, the more likely he is to get excited and start to nip. Always quit while you’re ahead and end on a positive note.

Practice Regularly and Be Consistent

All family members must be consistent and immediate with their responses. Mouthing or nipping must elicit a sharp, “Ouch!” and the end of something pleasurable…namely your attention or the chew toy. Expect that it will likely take 2-3 weeks to teach your puppy not to nip. Eventually, your puppy will get the message: “If you can’t play nice, I won’t play with you at all.”

Teaching your puppy not to nip requires time, patience, and consistency. Everyone in the family needs to work with your puppy in the same way. Taking the time to address puppy nipping and mouthing as soon as it arises makes it easier to eliminate, and is much easier than trying to resolve it later in life.