How to Train a Husky to Not Bite
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Introduction
Like most dogs, biting comes quite naturally to Huskies, starting the moment their baby teeth start coming in. Because Huskies have very strong jaws, biting can quickly become a very big problem with the potential to cause serious injury. While your Husky is still a puppy, they tend to bite and nibble on things, including other animals, toys, shoes, furniture, people, and just about anything they can get their teeth wrapped around. But, if you let the biting continue into adulthood, it could be seen as a sign of aggression.
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Defining Tasks
Understanding why your Husky bites is key to figuring out how to train your pup to stop biting everything that moves and most things that don't. Teething plays only a small part in biting, but it is the beginning of learning how to take care of themselves in the wild. Watch a group of puppies playing with each other, and you will see them pounce on each other and bite at each other with plenty of force. This is to prepare them for hunting and feeding themselves in the wild.
While your pup may no longer need to hunt to feed themselves, this instinct is as natural as breathing to them. It will take you some time to train your Husky to redirect his energy elsewhere.
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Getting Started
More than anything else, you will need plenty of time to work with your Husky to get them to stop biting. One thing you won't need is a long list of supplies such as are often needed for many other forms of training. The only things you are likely to need are:
- Toys –A ball, a chew-toy, tug rope, something to redirect your dog's needs to chew towards.
- Treats – You need a good supply to use as rewards.
- A quiet room – Somewhere for you to go for a few minutes when your Husky gets a bit too rough.
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The Hey, That Hurts Method
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Choose a time
Start out by choosing a time to play with your pup on a one-on-one basis.
Have a little fun
This is a good time to play with your pup. Be gentle, but at the same time remember this is also a good time to start establishing yourself as the Alpha member of the pack.
When they nip
At some point, your pooch is going to start biting at you. As long as they keep their nips gentle, all is well. But, when the nips start to become painful, the time has come for you to do something about it.
Verbal cues
Start by verbally letting your pup know their behavior is not acceptable with "Ouch!" or "Hey, that hurts!" Pick a cue and stick with it, in nature, they would be reprimanded with a yelp from their playmates, so you are essentially replacing the "yelp!" with a verbal cue.
Give them a toy
Replace your hand with a chew toy and let them spend some time chewing on it instead. The idea is to get them used to knowing what they can and cannot chew on.
Rinse and repeat
The rest is all about keeping up with daily training exercises and using treats to let your pup know that they are doing good. Keep in mind you should continue using your cue word each time they bite or nip until they stop altogether.
The No Method
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Why
The most important step is to understand why your pooch is biting. Most do not do so out of malice, they do so in play or because they are simply overexcited. Huskies love attention and one of their favorite activities is to play with their human pack.
Tell your pup 'no'
When your pup bites you, be sure to make a yelping noise or say "ouch"--something to let them hear your displeasure. If this didn't stop them, you need to say "No!" in a firm voice that lets them know they is in the wrong.
Turn and ignore
Time to put an end to the game by turning away from your pooch and ignoring them until they calm down. Once your pup has calmed down, you can start playing with them again.
If they won't settle
If your pup won't settle down, your best option may be to simply get up and go into another room in your house. This also puts a halt to the game, something your pup will not be happy about, he wants to play. Do not come back into the room unless they calm down.
Back to the game
Once your pup has calmed down, you can go back in and try again. If they try to nip at you again, be ready to turn away again while saying "No!". Keep repeating this until you can play with your pup without being bitten.
The Treat Method
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Start with a treat
Start out by putting one of your pup's favorite treats in the palm of your hand. Let your pup come up and get a good sniff, then close your hand.
No matter how much he chews
No matter how much your pooch chews on, noses, licks, or paws at your hand, do NOT let him have the treat.
When he gives up
When your pup finally gives up and turns away from your hand, give him the treat.
Praise
While you are giving them the treat, be sure to praise them and let them know they have done a good thing.
The rest
The rest is all about repeating this process until your pup realizes they are not going to be rewarded for biting, but rather will get the treat for the appropriate behavior.
By PB Getz
Published: 03/29/2018, edited: 01/08/2021
Training Questions and Answers
Storm
Husky
5 Years
Question
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0 found this helpful
Storm has started to bite random people and is very aggressive with other dogs when on the leash or harness. She has grownup going to doggy daycare and around lots of kids. we just moved to a new house and I'm wondering if that could be the cause. She has also, started guarding her toys and food which is making me nervous with 4 kids. Can this behavior be stopped or do I need to be considering other options? Help!
June 1, 2020
Storm's Owner
Darlene Stott - Dog Trainer and Groomer
104 Dog owners recommended
Thank you for the picture! It is possible that Storm is stressed with the move - but it always important to have a vet visit to rule out medical issues. If Storm is in pain, she may lash out. I would strongly suggest that you contact a professional trainer or behaviorist in your area to help with the problem, especially if her actions are becoming dangerous (the biting and guarding). I'm sure you can get her the proper help, but don't delay. So, first, the vet and then the behaviorist. In the meantime, this site has many informative videos and the opportunity to talk to a trainer: https://robertcabral.com/. Please take a look and all the best!
June 2, 2020