How to stop my puppy from biting my hand during training?
Question by Tut Tut: How to stop my puppy from biting my hand during training?
My Golden Retriever puppy “comes” and “sits” on command, however, whenever I try to give him a treat he bites and snaps at my hand. It really hurts and he’s bitten me very painfully a few times in his excitement over the reward.
How can I stop this behavior? I’ve tried offering the treat in a closed fist but he just bites and snaps at my fist which hurts, too!
Whenever he continues being CRAZY like this I just fold my arms, turn around and ignore for a minute. He immediately settles down. But when I start the training again, it’s back to snapping at the treat.
I’m getting so sick of this I’m thinking of just using voice reward only. Will that work?
Best answer:
Answer by Lyn K
im sorry i dont know-but i couldnt resist just saying-u have a gr8 avatar!
What do you think? Answer below!
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How long have you been training him for? If it hasnt been too long Id stick with it. It may sound really silly, but if he bites you, then whine as if your hurt- or give him a bite on the ear (NOT hard!)…see how he likes it.
Or try clicker training. Ive never done it for my dog but it could be worth a shot. Alot of dogs respond to it, but obviously not great (i would have thought) when your dog runs away in the middle of a park etc
You dog is misreading you, he probably thinks it’s all fun and games. He doesn’t realize that he is hurting you or that his aggression is not acceptable if at the end he still gets a treat.
Try wearing a thick glove to protect your hand. If your dog’s snaps are still too hard try applying a scent to the glove that your dog won’t like. They have very sensitive noses so start light and then move on to stronger smelling odors until you find one that works.
After your dog learns to avoid your hand wearing the glove, use your other hand to offer the treat after he has sat down/calmed down. If he tries to grab at your bare hand, bring the gloved, strong smelling hand to protect the other hand until he learns to be more gentle. Always reward his good behavior with praise. Show him you are pleased with his behavior using a kind but calm voice and friendly but calm body language.
Dog repelents:
Citrus(lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit,etc)
chili pepper
vinegar
rubbing alcohol
products at pet stores offering more concentrated, stronger odors