When shelter puppy Tinkerbell starts getting mouthy, KPA CTP Tressa Fessenden-McKenzie offers her a sturdy tug toy to bite instead. Tug toys are perfect for engaging with puppies, as they offer an ample bite area as well as a barrier to keep your hands and body safe. After playing a few rounds of tug, Tressa scatters treats and clicks for four paws on the floor as well as for eye contact when Tinkerbell offers it. This training helps Tinkerbell learn how to shift from high-arousal activities to calm, focused activities. By giving puppies lots of information about what TO do and using management to avoid the rehearsal of unwanted behaviors, you can prevent biting and mouthing from becoming a lifelong habit. For more tips on preventing puppy biting, also check out Teaching Puppies Not to Bite.

Interested in growing your business by offering puppy classes and consults? Karen Pryor Academy offers a curriculum that includes essential tips on format, organization, and management techniques! Bundle PSRI with its new companion course Online Preschool for everything you need to teach great PSR puppy classes online, too. Help puppies around the corner or around the globe! Learn more about KPA's Puppy Start Right for Instructors course.

Happy Training!