How to Properly Redirect Puppy Biting, by Ethan McMahon Dog Training on YouTube. 2 min 44 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 44 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Put a light leash or house line on your puppy indoors so you can gently interrupt biting without grabbing him.
Sit on the floor and touch your puppy calmly on the paws, ears and collar. Give a treat when he stays relaxed.
Repeat short handling sessions so touch becomes normal and your puppy stops mouthing to push your hands away.
When your puppy bites, stay quiet and use the leash to gently move him away from your hands.
Immediately offer a chew toy or tug toy and let your puppy bite that instead.
Praise or treat your puppy as soon as his mouth is on the toy, not on you.
Repeat the interrupt and redirect every time he bites, and keep sessions to a few minutes.
End play and walk away for a short break if your puppy keeps biting after two or three redirects.
Tips and common mistakes
Never hit, hold the muzzle shut or yell at your puppy, as this can make biting worse.
Keep a toy within reach in every room so you can redirect fast.
Puppies bite more when tired or overexcited, so offer a nap instead of more play.
Use a light leash only, and never leave it on an unsupervised puppy because it can catch on things.
Questions
Why does redirecting to a toy not work on its own?
A toy only gives your puppy something to bite. You also need to interrupt the bite and teach him that hands are not for mouthing, which is why handling and a light leash help.
Is it normal for a puppy to bite during play?
Yes, mouthing is normal for young puppies. Consistent redirection and calm breaks teach him bite control as he grows.
When should I see less biting?
Most puppies improve with daily practice, but teething and excitement can bring biting back. Stay consistent and keep sessions short.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
