How To Achieve Bite Inhibition
The inhibition of the bite is something that a dog must learn from when it is a puppy, because in this way it prevents it from having a reaction that could be dangerous. Although the bite is something typical of the behavior of canines, in addition to being part of their body language, the dog must learn that it must be controlled so that it does not cause damage in situations that are not necessary, for example, when playing.
Dogs bite for many reasons, whether it be to send the message that they are angry, as a defense mechanism or as a form of domination. Learning to inhibit the bite will be essential in the puppy’s socialization process. However, before restricting it, you should think that, because it is rooted in the essence of the animal, you should not eliminate it one hundred percent, because in this way you would leave it defenseless and limit its ability to communicate with others. The bite inhibition processes are aimed at preventing risk situations, not at eradicating the animal’s behavior.
This behavior should be learned early, because around four months, after the teething change has passed, it will be very difficult to achieve it. For example, one of the most common uses for bite inhibition is related to the dog learning to bring things into its mouth without damaging them. This is known as soft-mouthed dogs .
The first thing to keep in mind for your dog to develop a soft mouth is that he must have other canine playmates. This is important, as dogs learn to gauge bite strength through play. If this is done in a strong way, the other puppy will suffer and will not want to continue playing. In this way, playing without hurting the other will become a positive reinforcement, which is rewarded with more play.
A second aspect to keep in mind when training your puppy to have a soft bite is interacting with him. Play with your puppy and teach him that you are also sensitive to his bites. This way he will learn that humans are more sensitive than dogs and he will handle different types of bites depending on whether he plays with a dog or with a human.
During this period it is also important that you teach your dog the command to release. This won’t make him bite delicately, but it will help you when he’s tearing something up and you want him to stop. It will also help you at the time of the game because, if it bites you very hard, you can simply say “let go” and end the session.
Likewise, reinforcing the “No” command is important, because when he is playing with you and he bites hard you can simply say “no” and he will understand that this is wrong. The important thing in this case is that you finish the game once the puppy bites hard.
Next, to reinforce the punishment, you can ignore your dog for a few moments after suspending play. This does not mean that you should isolate it or ignore it all day. Just do it for a few minutes and then resume the game. Remember to pet your puppy every time he takes a soft bite. In case you are using the “release” order, you must keep in mind that you cannot ignore the puppy, as he will understand that he is being punished for following the order. So you should simply stop the game and resume it when the puppy is calm.
It is important that your dog plays with different people, even those outside of the puppy’s immediate environment (for example, a friend of yours). In this way you will learn that all people are sensitive, so you should not bite them hard.
Likewise, you must bear in mind that if you have to use the “release” command many times it means that something is wrong with their training because, as we pointed out earlier, this is only used in extreme cases, when you need the puppy to stop biting something. In this case, it is best to seek the advice of an expert.
