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There is so much to love about puppies. They’re adorable, snuggly, loving and playful. But puppies also come with some destructive behaviors — accidents inside the house, chewing on things they aren’t supposed to, and perhaps worst of all, biting.
Biting, or “mouthing,” is part of how a puppy learns about the world. It’s often meant to be a playful behavior, but those sharp little teeth can hurt! Here are a few tips on how to stop puppy biting in St. George, even in a playful way.
Looking for more comprehensive puppy training? Check out our Puppy Essentials Webinar or schedule a free in-home assessment with one of our professional trainers.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite St. George location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Silver
$850
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 4 Sessions
- Come
- Heel(walk with you without pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture if desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Place(go to bed)
Gold
$1,695
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 6 Months
- Come
- Heel(walk with you without pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture if desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Place(go to bed)
- Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Get into Car or Kennel
- STOP Running Away
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Puppy Biting
- STOP Chasing Animals
- STOP Chewing
- STOP Digging
- Go home(go into kennel or dog house)
- Wait
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP bolting through doors
Platinum
$2,195
Platinum offers advanced obedience/behavioral modification with a goal of off-leash control. Includes additional training options and offers more one-on-one and group sessions than Gold.
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 8 Months
- Community Training SessionsOne-on-one with you & trainer 2 Sessions
- Come
- Place(go to bed)
- Heel(walk with you without pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture if desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- Build Confidence
- Get into Car or Kennel
- STOP Running Away
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Puppy Biting
- STOP Chasing Animals
- STOP Chewing
- STOP Digging
- Go home(go into kennel or dog house)
- Wait
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP bolting through doors
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Choose to Address Advanced Concerns:
- Calm Anxiety
- Control Aggression (dog & human) -
Or Choose One Tailored Skill Below: *Specialized training options based upon your dog's abilities.
- Therapy dog training
See Details
- Emotional Support Dog Training
- Ride on a Golf Cart, Skateboard, or Wagon
- Stay with You on Jog, Hike, or Bike Ride
- Other Custom Command Approved by Trainer
Our Balanced Theory
We base our training around the "Classical Conditioning" model (a.k.a. "Pavlovian" or "respondent conditioning"). This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.
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Empowering Owners
We empower Owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times. -
Personalized
We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis. -
Environment Specific
We train wherever issues tend to arise (i.e. jogging, park, home).
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Supportive
We support Owners in the off-hours (when training is "not in session"). -
Involved
We work with all members of the household. -
Simplified & Customized
We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 20 min/day follow-up practice.
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Continued Training
Additional programs / group sessions offered after in-home training. -
Lifetime Investment
We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term. -
Satisfaction Ratings
Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors.
clas·si·cal con·di·tion·ing
PSYCHOLOGY
noun
A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired; a response that is at first elicited by the second stimulus and is eventually elicited by the first stimulus alone.
We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call!
Best dog training place in St. George. My dogs never behaved, but after working with Sarah and Hayden, I have seen such an improvement in the behavior of my dogs. Highly reccomend!— Dracozu
Posted September 12th 2023
Hayden and his team of trainers have been so wonderful to work with training our dog! About a year ago we started working with Dog Training Elite to service train my dog and we have had nothing but positive exprience from day one. Even now, if I ever have an issue or concern with my dog, the trainers are more than willing to help out. 10/10 best investment for my pup!— Shantel Baker
Posted March 17th 2023
Sarah and Hayden have done such a great job for us and our dog Lil'bit. They helped us to be more confident which has given our dog an opportunity to rise to his confident self. With all the preparation we were so happy when Lil'bit was introduced to other dogs. Hayden did such a great job helping Lil'bit understand how to interact with other dogs. Both Sarah and Hayden have helped us to be confident with our dog around other people and other dogs. Thank you for bringing more freedom to our home.— Kaimana Allen
Posted February 22nd 2023
I adopted Watson two years ago after losing my 18 year old Peekingese. I have gotten older and I needed help with Watson's training. I am so glad I called dog training elite. The e-coller has never left any marks on my dog however it does help him to pay attention to what is being taught. Hayden (the trainer) is professional, dependable and very patient with me. Hayden explains the training techniques thoroughly and I am seeing real results. Thank you Dog Training elite!— Cynthia Guptill
Posted January 4th 2023
In the beginning, I was involved with the shock collar for my dog, and I was not comfortable with doing it, and really didn’t want to believe in it. But after being educated about the guard and how it teaches the dog faster and more relevant to the situation. So it took me a little while but I grew into it and now it’s become an every day lesson with my dog.— Shane Davis
Posted December 8th 2022
I can’t even tell you how happy I am with the results of training our puppies with Dog Training Elite St. George. I guess since I’m submitting a review I will try. I have 2 dogs ages 5 and 1. We have all but given up on our five year old ever responding to us when we call him (unless it’s on his schedule). When we got the new puppy, we decided to make the extra investment to train him right. We really want to have a well behaved dog that doesn’t freak out in public. Hayden from Dog Training Elite trained both dogs for us! Now, when people come over, the dogs will stay in their place. They don’t jump up on people. We can take them for walks or to festivals and they are so well behaved. Now, I’m one of the cool dog owners that has the awesome dogs- not just one, but two! Also- we have trained our little dog to be a service animal and he gets to visit the kids in the hospital and they love it.— Leslie Seal
Posted October 22nd 2022
I would definitely recommend working with them to train your dog! Very clear instruction and results.— Katelyn Bryner
Posted October 20th 2022
Hayden at DTE has been absolutely outstanding in getting my crazy German Shepherd Dog under control. He has taught me a great deal on how to control my dog’s behavior. In just a few short weeks I am able to walk my pup with confidence without all the barking and pulling. Thanks Dog Training Elite! Money well spent.— Bobby Cuomo
Posted August 16th 2022
Hayden has been great!! We have 6 dogs. 4 pit mixes (all rescues) one heeler and one Dane. My Dane and male pit mix are having some aggression towards one another and my main goal was creating an overall more structured/peaceful home for them. DTE has been super accommodating! I live in Mesquite and Hayden comes to my house every week! And worked with my goals. We still have a long way to go but he has truly helped me and my four legged kids. As someone who has years of experience with animals of all kinds, having his outside and professional skills has dramatically improved our lives. Pic of our two boys together!— Alexandra Imbach Lagenour
Posted July 16th 2022
A life giving experience. We were ready to find a new home (or possibly put down) our aggressive dog after he had bit several people including us multiple times and a random kid. We were completely lost with what to do, it was a very emotional time. We called Hyden with Dog Training Elite out of complete desperation. Within a few weeks our aggressive puppy that we loved so much was making huge strides. Not only is he not aggressive anymore, he has learned basic and advanced obedience techniques. We would HIGHLY recommend Dog Training Elite for anyone with an aggressive dog or anyone who is looking to improve their dogs’ behavior.— Andrew Jensen
Posted May 1st 2022
Hayden has been absolutely wonderful to work with. (As well as Grayson who has been great with appointment reminders and any questions I have!) Super professional, reliable and patient. I adopted my 1 year old dog, Bat, a few months ago, he is extremely sweet with some pretty reactive behaviors, I already see so many positive changes in my dog and we just started the program. I feel that both Bat and I are very supported in the training and I’m excited for the weeks to come.— Megan
Posted April 26th 2022
We have a rescue aggressive dog who has so much potential it was hard to not get her the help she needs. Everyone turned us away except the dog training elite. They have gave my dog a life just in a few short lessons. She’s a whole new dog it’s been amazing to watch her progress. I never thought she would do this good ever, but thanks to them she will be able to live a happier life. I would completely wholeheartedly recommend the trainers at the dog training elite above everyone else we have tried training with. They work around what you have so it’s not more out of pocket and they are very accommodating when it comes to working around my crazy schedule. They have been nothing but kind and very patient with our sweet girl.— Sara Burgess Schwartz
Posted April 22nd 2022
They were so kind and helpful with training my puppy. So grateful for everything that they did.— Treena Schweikart
Posted April 19th 2022
Working with our trainer was such a great experience, I highly recommend Dog Training Elite.— Stacy Schmalz
Posted March 23rd 2022
We have enjoyed working with Dog Training Elite! Their puppy course helps us to curb some of the undesirable puppy behavior. With the one on one training our little guy is so well behaved and happy. He gets excited when his trainer comes over and is sad when he leaves! Thanks Dog Training Elite!!— Maggie Doty Yunker
Posted October 26th 2021
Working with Dog Training Elite has not only a great experience for my family, but for our dog as well. He gets so excited when his trainer comes and we have noticed significant changes! Thanks Dog Trailing Elite!!— Maggie Yunker
Posted October 24th 2021
I love DTE!! They do such an amazing job with all types/sizes of dogs and all their behaviors. Most reasonably priced I’ve ever found as well. Give them a try and I promise you won’t regret it!!— Seirra Lovell
Posted October 12th 2021
How to Get a Puppy to Stop Biting? Teach them that Biting Hurts
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 and dogs.
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Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite St. George, we believe that Service Dogs save lives. It is our mission to make these life-saving companions available to our Veterans, First Responders, Women Survivors, and Children with Medical Needs. Whether it be for PTSD, Mobility Support, or Special Needs, Dog Training Elite St. George works with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.
Take it to the Next Level
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 him, distract him with treats so he’ll get used to being touched without mouthing your hands or arms. Keep your puppy’s favorite toy with you, and if she starts mouthing your hands, give her the toy to bite instead.
What to Avoid
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:
- Avoid wiggling your fingers or toes in your puppy’s face to entice them to play. This encourages your puppy to bite your hands and feet.
- Don’t jerk your hands away from your puppy if they bite you. They might lunge forward to grab you with their mouth.
- Never slap or hit a puppy for biting. This ineffective and cruel and can backfire as a training method. Your puppy might start to play more aggressively, with more biting, or they can become afraid of you.
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.
Start Puppy Training Now
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. 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.
What are you waiting for? Contact Dog Training Elite today for a free in–home assessment or schedule a free training demo to see what your puppy can become.
