How to Train a Labrador Retriever to Not Bite
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Introduction
Are you still struggling with a Lab that likes to bite just a little too much? Have you tried to get them to stop to no avail? One of the biggest problems for many dog owners is that while they may be trying the most commonly successful training methods, nothing works unless you are willing to stick with it. You can train virtually any breed to stop biting, but the most important thing to keep in mind is that without consistency and repetition, you are not likely to ever reach your goal.
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Defining Tasks
In the natural world, biting is one of the many forms of exploring the environment dogs use. They also bite as part of play and of assuming their role in the pack. While this might be acceptable in the wild, this type of behavior is in no way acceptable in the domesticated world. Something that might seem to your pup to be a playful nip could result in legal actions and the risk of your pup being put down. It is your job to teach your pooch that in your world, and what is now his world, biting is not allowed.
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Getting Started
The one thing about training your Lab to not bite is that there are no prerequisites, no laundry list of supplies, and no specific places where you need to complete the training. You need to have plenty of time and patience to work with your pup, a few treats, and a few chew-toys. The rest is all about repeating the training. Bear in mind that most dogs will gradually slow down on how often they nip or bite as part of maturing, but you should still plan to teach your pup this very important skill.
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The Slowly Does It Method
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A quiet place to work
Take your pup into a quiet room and step back from them just over an arm's length.
One hand in
Kneel down on the floor and move your hand towards your pup a couple of inches.
No movement
If your pup stays put, praise him and then place one of their favorite treats on the floor between you and them.
Just a little bit closer
Move your hand towards your pup just a little bit more.
Repeat
Repeat this method by moving your hand closer and closer each time. Success is reached when you can reach up and gently touch your pup while he is eating his treat.
The Speak the Language Method
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Play with your pup
Start out, as usual, playing with your pup. If he bites you, say "Ouch!" or if you really want to get into the mode, give Lab your best yelping sound.
Do not yank
Do not yank your hand away from the dog's mouth, instead, go limp and give him time to release it on his own. Yanking it away would make it seem like you are playing, but waiting for him to release it takes all of the fun out of it. This is the whole point of this training.
Ignorance is bliss
Give dog the cold shoulder for a couple of minutes and then go back to playing. Be sure to give praise for playing with a chew toy instead of your fingers. If he bites you again, go back one step and try again.
What if he starts playing
If your pup decides to follow you and attempts to initiate play, walk out of the room and go where they can't reach you, use a puppy or baby gate to keep them in the other room.
Time and again
Keep working with your pup until they no longer attempt to bite you during play. This can take a few weeks of playtime, but then who really minds that?
The Why Are You Biting? Method
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Start out by observing and learning
The best place to start in training your pup is by figuring out why he is biting. For most, it is simply a matter of play when they are puppies and a defensive or aggressive move as they mature. For some, especially puppies, it is a matter of being overexcited.
Call a pro
If your dog's biting is aggressive, rather than the result of play, consider working with a professional trainer or behaviorist to deal with the root of the problem.
That hurt
Engage your pooch in gentle play and when he bites you (or any other time they bite you), yelp like a puppy who has just been bitten or say "Ouch!" This lets your pup know their behavior is not acceptable.
Turn away
End your game by turning away from your pup and letting him see you are ignoring him. Continue ignoring him until he calms down. When he finally settles down, go ahead and start playing with him again.
Go next door
If he doesn't seem to be able to calm himself down, you may need to put up a gate in the doorway and walk away for a few minutes. This is another way to end the game, and he isn't going to like this. Only return to the room once the dog has calmed down.
Game on
Once your Lab has managed to rein himself in, you can enter the room and try again. Keep working with your pup until he no longer wants to bite you because he would rather play with you.
By PB Getz
Published: 03/29/2018, edited: 01/08/2021
Training Questions and Answers
Charlie
Labador
7 Weeks
Question
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My puppy is biting too much it hurts
Feb. 6, 2021
Charlie's Owner
Alisha Smith - Alisha S., Dog Trainer
257 Dog owners recommended
Hello! Here is information on nipping/biting. Nipping: Puppies may nip for a number of reasons. Nipping can be a means of energy release, getting attention, interacting and exploring their environment or it could be a habit that helps with teething. Whatever the cause, nipping can still be painful for the receiver, and it’s an action that pet parents want to curb. Some ways to stop biting before it becomes a real problem include: Using teething toys. Distracting with and redirecting your dog’s biting to safe and durable chew toys is one way to keep them from focusing their mouthy energies to an approved location and teach them what biting habits are acceptable. Making sure your dog is getting the proper amount of exercise. Exercise is huge. Different dogs have different exercise needs based on their breed and size, so check with your veterinarian to make sure that yours is getting the exercise they need. Dogs—and especially puppies—use their playtime to get out extra energy. With too much pent-up energy, your pup may resort to play biting. Having them expel their energy in positive ways - including both physical and mental exercise - will help mitigate extra nips. Being consistent. Training your dog takes patience, practice and consistency. With the right training techniques and commitment, your dog will learn what is preferred behavior. While sometimes it may be easier to let a little nipping activity go, be sure to remain consistent in your cues and redirection. That way, boundaries are clear to your dog. Using positive reinforcement. To establish preferred behaviors, use positive reinforcement when your dog exhibits the correct behavior. For instance, praise and treat your puppy when they listen to your cue to stop unwanted biting as well as when they choose an appropriate teething toy on their own. Saying “Ouch!” The next time your puppy becomes too exuberant and nips you, say “OUCH!” in a very shocked tone and immediately stop playing with them. Your puppy should learn - just as they did with their littermates - that their form of play has become unwanted. When they stop, ensure that you follow up with positive reinforcement by offering praise, treat and/or resuming play. Letting every interaction with your puppy be a learning opportunity. While there are moments of dedicated training time, every interaction with your dog can be used as a potential teaching moment.
Feb. 6, 2021