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Have you recently adopted a new puppy? Congratulations! Few things can bring as much joy and laughter into our lives as a new puppy. Little Fido’s tail wags and affectionate smooches will definitely brighten your day. However, that cuteness does come with a price. You’ll need to do some pet parenting to help your pet grow into a friendly adult dog. This is crucial during that adorable toddler phase. One thing you’ll need to address is biting. In this article, a veterinarian offers some advice on this.

Offer Suitable Chews

Part of the reason that puppies bite is to help them cope with the pain of teething. Make sure that your bouncing ball of fur always has plenty of suitable chew toys. Look for durable playthings that will hold up to lots of abuse. Kong toys are good for this.

Puppyproofing

This one is more about safety than petiquette. Dogs use their mouths to explore the world. Little Fido may try to learn more about something by, well, eating it. Remove or secure anything that could be dangerous to the little guy, such as toxic plants, plastic bags and ties, medicines, chemicals, and any small or sharp objects. Keep clothing in hampers, closets, or drawers, and store personal items, like phones and purses, out of paws’ reach.

Be Consistent

Consistency is always very important when training animals. Your canine pal won’t know the difference between similar objects. Don’t give your puppy an old pair of sneakers, and then expect him to leave your brand new ones alone. If you need to tell Fido not to chew or bite something, use the same vocal commands every time.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Never yell at or punish your furry friend for misbehaving. This could make him scared of you, which could lead to a whole slew of behavioral issues.  If little Fido does something wrong, say ‘No’ in a firm tone. Then ignore him for a while. A bit of a time out may help him calm down.

Taste Deterrent

If your puppy constantly tries to bite your hand, try using taste deterrent. In some cases, yelping—as a puppy would—can help him realize his mistake. If this doesn’t work, consult a professional pet behaviorist. The cost of a few obedience sessions will be well worth it in the long run!

Do you have questions about puppy care? As your local veterinary clinic, we’re here to help! Call us anytime!