When some dogs are excited, they show their affection and attention in unusual ways, some of which can be challenging – like treating us like chew toys, for example. Our pets communicate using different parts of their bodies – it’s the only tool they have! Our four-legged friends bite to express a certain emotion. And often it’s a signal that they want to play. Or an attempt to protect something they love. Or they may accidentally bite their owner out of pure excitement! Anger and fear are also leading emotions behind this behavior of our furry friends. And what should we say when our pet bites us lightly without squeezing? We suggest you learn more about this behavior together, as well as what you can do to redirect your pet’s habit.
The 5 Most Common Reasons Dogs Bite Their Owners
• To Share How They Feel
As humans, we use our hands to express the emotions we feel, such as through hugs and handclapping. Well, dogs use their mouths for the same purpose.
• To show they want to play
When a dog nibbles on you, it’s not meant to hurt you, but rather to show that they want to play, not cuddle, according to the American Kennel Club. This is more common in puppies and young dogs, who generally do little else but play most of the day.
You may notice this happening when you want to calmly pet your pet. But the act of physical interaction itself can excite your puppy and then you expect him to gently show his teeth. This type of nibbling is usually a “conversation starter” – a means of initiating play and interaction.
• To explore their environment
Just as human babies explore the world with their mouths, so do puppies. That’s why when your furry friend plays with you, using their mouths is one of their primary methods of interaction.
• It may be genetic
Some breeds, such as herding dogs like Collies, Corgis, and German Shepherds, may have a higher rate of biting incidents because they were bred to perform their original function of herding sheep and cattle, using their mouths to gently nibble on the animals’ heels to move the flock.
More active breeds are also more likely to bite more often, so families with large, strong, and active pets should take responsibility for training their pet and provide them with plenty of exercise.
See more: 5 dangerous dog habits you shouldn’t ignore
• They may be teething or want something to chew on
Teething in puppies can be extremely unpleasant. That’s why little ones try to put everything they can reach with their paws in their mouths to bite it and relieve their discomfort. If this is the case, experts recommend having chew toys on hand.
Playful biting vs. aggressive biting
As a pet owner, you need to be able to distinguish between playful and less than friendly biting. When dogs are preparing to attack and it comes to a direct attack, they usually have specific body language: They approach head-on, with their bodies usually stiff, they are straight, without making any additional sounds. If you see a four-legged friend focusing on a person or animal and suddenly freeze, be prepared that a bite may follow.
Note: Biting is an aggressive behavior and requires proper training and professional help due to the inherent danger and potential for serious accidents.
Since puppies who bite can grow into adults who exhibit similar behavior (but then they will have bigger teeth and a stronger bite!), play involving biting can become dangerous. That is why it is important to look for ways to redirect this behavior as soon as you recognize it.
Why do dogs bite without biting?
While biting is much more common in young puppies, adult dogs that were not taught not to bite in childhood can also exhibit this annoying and sometimes painful behavior.
Dogs of all breeds may nibble their owners lightly, driven by the desire to express momentary feelings and emotions. This can be a signal that the animal is ready to play. Or an attempt to get your attention. And if you are having quality fun, then a light nibble without additional pressure can be an expression of your pet’s excitement.
Sometimes pets are overprotective of what they love – like toys, treats and even people. And they may bite lightly, driven by the desire to protect their “property”. Conversely, sometimes dogs bite because they feel scared, disappointed or stressed. And they want you to know about it. Some dogs are bred to herd livestock, and their natural need to bite is a natural part of their job. This is typical of breeds like Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Corgis, who will nibble on their owners’ ankles, which is more of an instinct than an emotional gesture.
Dealing with Biting in Young Dogs
Puppies explore the world through their mouths. It’s normal for puppies to bite playfully, but that doesn’t mean the behavior should be encouraged. You need to set boundaries and curb this behavior before your puppy reaches maturity. Because then, harmless bites can become much more serious.
Actually, stopping this behavior in the first place is not as difficult as it may sound. The next time your little friend bites you while playing, stop playing with him immediately. Turn away and focus your attention on something else. This way, your puppy will learn that biting will not bring him the desired results. Moreover, once he does, the game is over. With persistence and patience on your part, young dogs usually outgrow this behavior, as long as he is given attention from an early age. Read more about when puppies lose their baby teeth and what to expect during this challenging period here
Dealing with Biting in Adult Dogs
Although it is more difficult to correct biting behavior in adult and even senior dogs, it is still achievable. It is important not to ignore the problem, because these four-legged friends have significantly stronger jaws compared to puppies. Do not encourage biting and ignore the behavior whenever you notice it.
Just like puppies, adult dogs need mental and physical stimulation. Enough playtime will mitigate biting behavior caused by playfulness.
The Difference Between Dog Bites
When dogs bite because they are scared, stressed, or anxious, biting can quickly escalate into aggressive behavior.
If the bite is playful, the animal will have calm body language, a relaxed posture, and a lack of facial tension.
Aggressive dogs, on the other hand, will appear more tense and have a stiff posture. They may purse their lips, bare their gums and teeth, and growl. Both playful and aggressive dogs may wrinkle their muzzles, the difference being that in the former, there is no visible tension in the facial muscles.
Don’t hesitate to seek help
If biting behavior continues or worsens, it is crucial to seek help from a veterinarian, pet behaviorist, or dog trainer. All of these professionals can help you assess your dog’s individual needs, assess your pet’s physical and mental health, and point you to potential factors that may be causing the problem. If you ignore the biting and allow the behavior to continue, there’s a chance your pet will eventually bite someone at some point.
What to Focus on and What to Avoid When Training a Dog Who Bites During Play
There are some tips and rules that are good to keep in mind when teaching your dog good habits and strategies to curb your pet’s biting behavior.
Offer your dog:
• Scheduled playtime and activity to minimize boredom
• Plenty of rest and relaxation periods after intense stimulation
• Chew toys – remove a few at a time and rotate them weekly to keep your dog interested
• Use food puzzles, which are great for your pet’s mental and physical stimulation
• Edible treats when teething
• A more appropriate alternative when the gnawing instinct kicks in
• A game of tug-of-war – to teach your dog the rules of “polite play”
Refuse to:
• Overstimulate your dog with wild play
• Unintentionally reward him when he bites
• Holding your pet’s muzzle with your hand closed as a correction – this teaches him fear
To intervene when your dog bites during play, make sure you don’t look at him as “giant squeaky toy.” This means not being overly excitable—no yelling, waving, or jumping around. Instead, try to project calmness and offer appropriate alternatives to chew toys.
The moment your dog’s teeth touch your skin or clothing during play, be ready to call “time-out.” In other words, end the game. These early ground rules set your pet up for success and teach him that only polite behavior will get him what he wants.
Ultimately, the goal of training should be to teach your dog that polite forms of play and fun are more fun than biting behavior. Keep in mind that it may take weeks or months before you see signs of improvement. The good news for those who start curbing biting early is that the sooner they address the problem, the sooner they will see results. Play biting is a common part of puppy communication from a young age, and it’s something most four-legged friends will outgrow, especially with early and consistent training.
Illustrative Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-puppy-biting-rope-357142/
