In this video, KPA faculty member Debbie Martin demonstrates how to manage puppy biting. When the puppy in the video begins biting, Debbie offers her a treat to interrupt the behavior and then redirects by offering an appropriate toy. When the puppy has the toy in her mouth, Debbie engages her in a gentle game of tug. Since the puppy does not know a release cue yet, Debbie offers a yummy treat under her nose in exchange for the toy.

Note that when the puppy becomes overly excited and begins jumping to initiate play again, Debbie waits until the puppy has four paws on the floor and clicks/treats that. Debbie then offers the toy, teaching the puppy that biting the toy is a fun and appropriate way to play and that releasing the toy earns yummy treats!

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

 

Happy Training!