The Newfoundland Puppy, with its deep-set eyes and gentle demeanor, often earns adoration for its lovable nature. Often referred to as “gentle giants”, these dogs are known for their kind temperament. Yet, like all puppies, a Newfoundland Puppy might occasionally exhibit biting tendencies. Addressing this behavior early will help ensure that your Newfoundland Puppy grows into the well-mannered, gentle giant they’re famed to be. In this article, we’ll delve into actionable steps to curb biting tendencies in your Newfoundland Puppy.
1. Understanding the Motivation Behind the Bite
It’s crucial to recognize why your Newfoundland Puppy might resort to biting:
- Teething Pains: The discomfort of emerging new teeth might compel your Newfoundland Puppy to seek relief through biting or chewing.
- Exploratory Behavior: For a Newfoundland Puppy, everything is new and exciting. They might use their mouth as a tool for exploration.
- Play Instinct: The playful nature of a Newfoundland Puppy sometimes gets a bit too enthusiastic, leading to inadvertent nips.
2. Introduce Suitable Chew Toys
A variety of chew toys can be a lifesaver, offering your Newfoundland Puppy a legitimate avenue to express their chewing instincts. This not only soothes teething discomfort but also teaches them what’s acceptable to chew on.
3. Teaching Gentle Jaws
When your Newfoundland Puppy bites too hard during play, react with a high-pitched yelp. This simulates the reactions of their littermates and sends a clear message that they’ve gone too far. Gradually, your Newfoundland Puppy will learn to moderate the force of their bite.
4. Consistency is Crucial
A consistent response to biting across all family members ensures that your Newfoundland Puppy understands the message. If one person allows biting and another doesn’t, it creates confusion for the puppy.
5. Expose Them to Varied Situations
Early socialization is key. By exposing your Newfoundland Puppy to different environments, people, and animals, you’re teaching them to remain calm and composed, reducing the likelihood of biting out of fear or uncertainty.
6. Redirect Play Behavior
If play sessions frequently culminate in bites, use toys that can channel the biting behavior away from your hands or feet. Rope toys, for example, can be excellent for a game of tug with your Newfoundland Puppy, ensuring their teeth stay away from you.
7. Time-Outs Can Be Beneficial
Should your Newfoundland Puppy become overly zealous, leading to biting, consider a brief “time-out”. Removing them momentarily from play signifies that biting interrupts their fun.
8. Reward Good Behavior
Always have treats or praise ready for moments when your Newfoundland Puppy behaves appropriately. Positive reinforcement emphasizes the behaviors you want to see repeated.
9. When in Doubt, Seek Professional Guidance
If biting becomes problematic or if you sense any aggression in your Newfoundland Puppy, consult a professional dog trainer. They can offer advice tailored to your Newfoundland Puppy’s unique needs.
An Online Dog Training Course Can Help Your Newfoundland to Stop Biting
Our 2 favorite online courses are:
1. SpiritDog’s “Perfect Obedience” Course
The Perfect Dog Obedience Bundle is an online dog training program designed to help dog owners achieve well-behaved pets. The comprehensive course covers basic obedience, biting, loose leash walking, and includes bonus mini-courses on training habits and rewards, stopping jumping, and separation anxiety solutions. With lifetime access to expert trainers for personalized feedback and a 60-day money-back guarantee, this course aims to provide effective, accessible training for a variety of dog behavior issues.
2. K9 Training Institute’s “Dog Masterclass”
More than just an obedience course, this more comprehensive training course tackles any behavior problem you might face with your dog.
Conclusion
The journey with your Newfoundland Puppy is bound to be filled with moments of joy, play, and learning. Although they’re destined to grow into gentle giants, it’s crucial to instill good habits early on. By understanding, guiding, and teaching your Newfoundland Puppy, you’ll ensure that biting is a short-lived phase. Through patience and consistent training, your Newfoundland Puppy will soon understand the limits and become the gentle companion you’ve always dreamed of.
Toledo, United States.
