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A dog undergoing training with the experts at Dog Training Elite - get professional puppy biting training in Richmond, VA and help your dog curb this bad habit.

Professional

Biting Behavior Training

Dog Training Elite Richmond

Request Free Assessment


Request Free Assessment


Our Biting Behavior Training Could Help:

Reduce fear-based biting
Address anxiety-related biting
Manage teething behaviors
Improve impulse control
Build confidence in social settings
Enhance trust with owner
Prevent aggression toward other animals
Ensure safe interactions with children and adults

Stop Puppy Biting with Dog Training Elite

Dog & Puppy Biting Training in Richmond, VA

Biting is a natural response for dogs, especially puppies. It can come from anxiety, fear, past experiences, or simply a lack of training. While biting may seem harmless, if left unchecked, it can become dangerous for other animals and pose serious safety risks to children and adults. Addressing this behavior early is essential to having a well-behaved, calm dog.

At Dog Training Elite, we offer customized training plans designed to address the root causes of biting. Whether it’s due to teething, fear, or other underlying issues, our trainers work closely with you to develop a targeted approach for your dog’s specific needs.

With DTE, you get expert training backed by nearly 50 years of experience and a commitment to excellence. With a focus on balanced training, we ensure your pup feels safe and secure while providing effective and lasting results.

Call today to schedule your free consultation and stop biting behavior issues with our elite dog and puppy biting training in Richmond, VA.

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You and your canine companion really can have it all. See how easy it can be to become a member of the elite pup society by requesting a free consultation today!

A Dog Training Elite Richmond owner smiling with his dog in Richmond, VA.

Dog Training Elite Richmond

How to Get a Puppy To Stop Biting? Teach them that Biting Hurts

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Getting a puppy to quit mouthing is actually very simple. You just have to teach your puppy that biting hurts.

How do you teach this? By helping your puppy learn “bite inhibition.” Bite inhibition is a puppy or a dog’s ability to control how hard they bite. Typically puppies learn bite inhibition from playing with other puppies. Biting or mouthing is a common play tactic between puppies and dogs, but occasionally a puppy will bite too hard. This causes their playmate to yelp with pain and stop playing.

The reaction of the bitten puppy helps the puppy who did the biting realize their mistake and learn not to bite so hard. Just like puppies learn how to be gentle with each other, they can learn the same lesson from humans. Even if your puppy has learned bite inhibition while playing with other puppies or dogs, they still need to be taught how sensitive human skin is.

Follow the example of your puppy’s playmates. Let your puppy mouth your hands during play. When they bite you too hard, yelp like a puppy and let your hand go limp to indicate that you have been hurt. This should stop your puppy from continuing to bite you or continuing to play. When they stop, or if they attempt to make you feel better by licking your hand, praise your puppy and resume play. You can also try “time-outs” for your puppy, where you stop playing for 20 seconds after being bitten.

The goal is to teach your puppy that if they bite, playing stops. If they are gentle, play continues. Make sure to reward your puppy with praise and possibly treats when they do a good job. At Dog Training Elite, we know positive reinforcement is the best and most effective way to train puppies.

An image of an adorable puppy - get expert puppy biting training in Richmond, VA with Dog Training Elite.

Take it to the Next Level

Dog Training Elite Richmond

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Once your puppy understands that they shouldn’t bite human skin hard, start working on teaching them not to bite human skin at all. Use the same techniques of yelping and stopping play. Over time, gradually reduce the amount of biting you allow until your puppy eventually learns not to bite at all.

Some other techniques for to stop mouthing include the distraction method. If your puppy tends to want to bite you when you pet them, distract them with treats so they'll get used to being touched without mouthing your hands or arms. Keep your puppy’s favorite toy with you, and if they starts mouthing your hands, give them the toy to bite instead.

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Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Alexandra Kerlin
    Feb. 7, 2025
    Matt was professional, nice, and knowledgeable at our free home assessment for my dog Butch! I'm excited to start scheduling training sessions to help with Butch's separation anxiety behaviors and basic training. Thanks Matt!
  • Angel Inspire
    Feb. 6, 2025
    Very informative, knowledgeable with dog training and puppies behavior, learning tips for puppy, training programs and payment plans are available with ease. All in all a pleasant visit and looking forward to participating in a training program.
  • Katie Gurrentz
    Jan. 30, 2025
    We had our consult with Matt today for our puppy. He was very organized and helpful. We discussed a plan for our dog and I’m very excited to select a program and begin training! The whole process has been simple and straight forward.
  • Hannah Mayton
    Jan. 23, 2025
    Paul was a pleasure to work with! He helped bring structure into myself & my dog’s life which has substantially improved her behavior & willingness to obey! He was so patient with her & helped me adapt & learn how to take control back over my home. I would recommend he & his business to everyone! The training techniques they use are beyond effective & I saw improvements in as little as 2 sessions.
  • Kathleen Adams
    Jan. 5, 2025
    Matt Perales gave an interesting and persuasive presentation; and I have no doubt that he would have helped me to train my dog very well. The ONLY reason that I didn't sign up for training right then and there is because Dog Training Elite uses electronic collars during their training sessions. As Matt explained, only very low settings are used except in cases of dogs who know what the commands are and the dog is refusing to obey. But I don't want to use any amount of aversive conditioning to train my dog. Thank you for coming out to see us, Matt.
  • Hannah Baker
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Matt gave so much information and I appreciated it.
  • janet geisler
    Dec. 6, 2024
    Matt was very professional, assessed quietly with great observations. Took his time quietly getting to know teddy's personality. Was very honest and fair in his explanation of assessment. Explained program very thoroughly. I would feel very comfortable and confident with Matt guiding us through the process.
  • Rhalynn Blackburn
    Dec. 5, 2024
    I've only had an assessment session with Matt, but it was great! I might be seeing what i want to see, but my dog was more calm and her behavior was better for the rest of the day after meeting with him!
  • sally bobbitt
    Dec. 4, 2024
    Matt is great with both Mercy our GSD and her two humans. Calm, steady, thorough - he teaches all of us with clear instruction and walk-through, then guides us through hands on work with her. She really loves him and is "getting it". Thanks Matt!
  • Richmond Family Magazine
    Dec. 4, 2024
    Dog Training Elite did wonders for our dog, Charlie! We thought he was untrainable, but Paul worked his magic, and it's like we have a new and improved pooch! Thank you, Paul!
  • Kathleen Fulton
    Dec. 3, 2024
    Paul is such a caring and knowledgeable trainer. I have a difficult dog and Paul is very patient and helpful. Highly recommend.
  • Kathleen Fulton
    Dec. 3, 2024
    Paul is such a caring and knowledgeable trainer. I have a difficult dog and Paul is very patient and helpful. Highly recommend.
  • Cliff Gregory
    Nov. 26, 2024
    Matt handled Ponyo so smoothly and she learned so much this week. He helped us learn to walk her better
  • Dawn White McGuire
    Dec. 3, 2024
    Third session: Sadie Mae is quite the character. Timid and shy, fearful, but yet curious, and stubborn when she doesn’t want to. Matt surprised us today, as Sadie came out of her shell for him, and responded to his gentle commands. Paul and Matt have both been very patient with her and we see PROGRESS before our eyes😊 thank you…
  • Julie
    Nov. 21, 2024
    I cannot say enough good things about Dog Training Elite. Paul is basically a dog whisperer! He is the fourth trainer we worked with and nothing has worked other than this. Please take a chance...you will not regret it. Even our family members have noticed the improvement in our pup's behavior and asked us what we did!
  • Katy Carter
    Oct. 29, 2024
    Patient. Kind fun, sweet, good at the dogs. Excellent
  • Dave Traub
    Nov. 12, 2024
    Paul is a very good dog trainer. He understands dogs and is very patient. He always explains the reasons behind the training methods.
  • Mary Mills
    Nov. 8, 2024
    Ella lives working with paul! We've learned a lot from his methods of training!
  • Dallas Weston
    May. 30, 2024
    Paul, our trainer is very easy to work and give us needed help. Our dog has improved greatly.
  • david palombo
    Nov. 5, 2024
    Matt was friendly and knowledgeable.

What to Avoid

Dog Training Elite Richmond

There are some behaviors we humans tend to engage in when we want to play with puppies that actually encourage them to bite. If you’re at a loss for how to stop a puppy from biting, make sure to avoid these habits:

Wiggling your fingers or toes in your puppy’s face can encourage biting behavior, making it harder to teach proper play.
Jerking your hands away can trigger your puppy to lunge and bite harder—stay calm and redirect their focus.

Hitting or slapping a puppy for biting is cruel and counterproductive. It can lead to fear or increased aggression in your dog.

At Dog Training Elite, we never use physical punishment to train puppies and dogs. We focus on rewarding desired behaviors. This method of training helps build a strong, loving bond between puppies and their owners.

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Dog Training Elite

Contact Us Today and Stop Puppy Biting in Richmond, VA

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Teaching your pup not to bite is a huge accomplishment. But puppies have so much more to learn, and even the thought of having to train a puppy can be overwhelming. If you’re struggling with your puppy’s destructive behavior or looking for help with general training, call Dog Training Elite Richmond. We have a tried and true training method that really works for dogs of any age, including puppies. Dog Training Elite offers both individual in–home training and obedience classes for puppies.

In–home training is the perfect way to help you and your puppy bond while working with one of our professional trainers. Our trainers will adapt training to your environment and needs and empower you to continue training on your own. Obedience classes are also a great way to help your puppy learn by exposing them to other dogs and people and new sights and sounds. Combining in–home training with obedience classes ensures a well–behaved puppy who learns quickly.

Contact Dog Training Elite today for a free in–home consultation or schedule a free training demo to see what your puppy can become.