How do I teach my new puppy to stop biting peoples fingers while kissing them when petting her?
Although often thought to be a teething behavior, nipping, mouthing and biting in your dogs is generally a form of social play. Teething is more likely to involve gnawing or chewing on household objects. Provide ample opportunity for play, without biting. Social play with people could involve chase and retrieve games, as well as long walks or jogging. Although wrestling and tug of was games can be fund they may lead to play that is too rough or rambunctious. Puppies need to learn bite inhibition. This is something they start to learn while with their littermates. This is one reason that puppies should not go to new homes until 7-8 weeks. They need to have time to practice social skills with other dogs or puppies in the home or in the neighborhood. Provided the dog is receiving adequate play, attention and exercise, you can turn the training to bite inhibition. One of the things that they need to learn is how much pressure from their jaws causes pain. Without this feedback, a puppy does
