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How to Get a Puppy to Stop Biting

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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. Louis, 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.

Dog Training Elite St. Louis offers a professional puppy training program near you in St. Louis to teach how to get a puppy to stop biting.

Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite St. Louis location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.


Silver

$1,100

General obedience for well-behaved pups

  • One-on-One In-Home Training Sessions 4 Sessions
  • Group Training Sessions 4 Sessions
  • Come
  • Place
  • Heel(walk with you without pulling)
  • Sit
  • Behavioral Correction

Gold

$1,900

Advanced obedience/behavioral modification with a goal of off-leash control

Have a second pup? Save $500 on a second training package for Gold or Platinum!

  • One-on-One In-Home Training Sessions 6 Sessions
  • Group Training Sessions 12 Sessions
  • Come
  • Place(go to bed)
  • Heel(walk with you without pulling)
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Get Into Car or Kennel
  • Off(furniture, if desired)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Housebreaking / Potty Training Help
  • Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
  • STOP Running Away
  • STOP Digging, Chewing, Running Away, Chasing Animals, Jumping on People, Mouthing/Licking, Getting into Trash

Platinum

$2,700

Platinum offers advanced obedience/behavioral modification with a goal of off-leash control. Includes training options for therapy, emotional support, and offers more one-on-one and group sessions than Gold.

Have a second pup? Save $500 on a second training package for Gold or Platinum!

  • One-on-One & In-Home Training Sessions 8 Sessions
  • Group Park Training Sessions 16 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 Help
  • Get into Car or Kennel
  • STOP Digging, Chewing, Running Away, Chasing Animals, Jumping on People, Mouthing/Licking, Getting into Trash
  • Choose to Address Advanced Concerns: - Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
    - Control Aggression / Reactivity / Resource Guarding (towards other dogs or people)
  • Or Choose Therapy Dog training (See Details) or Emotional Support Animal training (includes an advance task/skill):
Best In-Home Dog Trainers Near Me in St. Louis
Highest Rated Dog Obedience Trainers Near You in St. Louis
Top Dog Trainers Near Me in St. Louis
In-Home Dog Trainers Near You in St. Louis

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.


  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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.

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!

I contacted Dog Training Elite late last year about my 3 year old Pomeranian, Gus, whose dog and human reactivity has been a problem for the majority of his life. I had taken him to another trainer prior to Dog Training Elite, and my next stop was a priest for an exorcism because his reaction to other people and dogs was demonic. Since working with dog training elite, I have been able to walk him and have people in my home without a nuclear response. We can pass people on walks without him going full demon mode, and for the most part, I no longer see any reaction. He is still a work a work in progress, but I now know how to handle situations better to set him up for success. Kelvin, his trainer, was wonderful to work with and extremely knowledgeable. The group classes have been great to attend to strengthen his training with high distractions, and Gus did not, in fact, ever need an exorcism!
— Rachel McAllister
Posted March 14th 2024
google
DTE is a wonderful organization! Iam now able to safely take a walk with my 100 lb dog Bailey. No more pulling and aggressive behavior. Tyler is an excellent trainer and advisor. It is amazing how much he taught my dog and me in just 6 hour lessons. The park group lessons are also a great adventure and learning experience! I recommend DTE without reservations!
— JoAnne Stanfield
Posted March 12th 2024
google
I had a fantastic experience with these folks training my English Bulldog (I know unusual breed for service animal) to be come a formally trained task-complete service dog. From the initial evaluation with Matt, and the basic training with Kelvyn through the advanced training with Cameron we had a consistently excellent interaction with DTE. Trainers were knowledgable, patient, professional punctual and enthusiastic; expectations were always set appropriately. Use of the e-collar was very sensitive and caring (since my dog was very positively food motivated treats sufficed for the vast majority of her training and we didn't need the collar very much--but it was great learning how to carefully use the device when necessary). The sessions in public places (malls, stores and airport) were terrific in addition to the in home sessions and communications and scheduling were easy and diligent. I look forward to traveling with my pup with confidence in her training and ADA qualifications. Materials provided along with the classes were terrific. This was obviously more intensive (and yes expensive) than simple obedience training, but with patience and consistency it is amazing what can be done. I think the cheap on-line alternatives and shortcut 'take a few video lessons and get a certificate' are nonsense and bogus. This elite training was worth every dollar and DTE stands behind their training and certification for the long run. Special thanks Matt and Cameron!!
— Jeffrey Rose
Posted March 7th 2024
google
Michelle and Tyler were wonderful! I’m looking forward to working with my dog to make her the best she can be! Thank you for your help!
— Pippy P
Posted February 22nd 2024
google
Thank you Kelvin for all your training that you provided Rayna and myself...I've learned how important it is to know and be able to read your dog...think like your dog so they will know what to expect 😉. Thank you for showing me how to give your dog commands, positive reinforcement and praise. Rayna says thank you for fixing me.
— Susan Brown
Posted January 21st 2024
google
Highly recommend Elite. Matt and his staff worked with our rescued female Doberman, Carly, and we are thrilled with the outcome. Elite was recommended to us by a friend who also had a great experience with their two dogs. We believe the investment was well worth it! We also love the group classes that are available once the one-on-one training has been completed.
— Bill Latz
Posted December 27th 2023
google
If you are ever thinking about going to dog training elite, go with your gut and say yes. I chose to go with dog training elite, and my dog and me came out better than ever. They don’t just work with your dog for whatever training you choose like service dog, protection work, basic obedience, therapy dog work, and more, they work with you also so when training is over you can thrive at what you have learned throughout your whole training. I got so lucky because I don’t trust my dog with just anyone especially the person who’s gonna help my dog help me out more than he already did. I got lucky with Cameron, she helped me past what you would think you would get back from dog training. She is funny, amazing, and just Cameron. If you ever get to meet her she will bring a light into your life and your dog’s life. My dog’s tail wags faster than anything in this world when he hears that he gets to see Cameron. Cameron goes above and beyond what the job entails. She shows you that dog training elite is the best choice to go with for dog training. It didn’t just make my dog a better service dog it made me a better service dog owner so my dog is and will be the best that he can be with his tasks. Kai will forever be grateful for Cameron because now he can help me his parent out with all that I go through. I will also forever be grateful for Cameron and the whole dog training elite company that has helped me and kai get through this process, but especially Cameron. Also just thought I should show you how perfect kai is, he’s in his goggled and dog training elite vest
— Savahnah Olander-Walsh
Posted December 20th 2023
google
Saved my dog! A totally new dog! The aggressive behavior has been changed.
— Paula Bryant
Posted December 18th 2023
google
I picked Dog Training Elite because of its high rating on Google. I was desperate at the time to be able to walk my 5 month old Bernese Mountain Dog with a stroller and not hurt my harms from all of his pulling. The training was simple, the trainers were great. Within a week, our dog learned to heel and walks were peaceful again. I reserved my review for over a year because they told me that with repeated, quick daily sessions, when he was closer to 2 years old I wouldn’t rely on the training collar and his training would be solid. Here we are, Boomer Sooner is 2 years old and although I still put a collar on him most days, he is so well trained in every area that I rarely use it. My 3 year old is able to walk him on a leash. He’s not a robot but he knows what we expect from him. Today, something happened to remind me to leave a review for these trainers. With all the wind, our backyard gate blew open while our dog was outside and because we’ve taught him not to rush the door or rush gates, he stood there looking at it and then his recall was immediate, the first time I called him. I’m grateful for the training we received from this company and the well behaved dog we have as a result!
— Corianne B
Posted December 18th 2023
google
Matt and his team were incredible. As an owner who had previously only used treat-based training before, I was extremely hesitant to try other methods such as an eCollar. Despite my hesitation, Matt took the time to explain to me what an eCollar was actually used for and dispelled many of the misconceptions I had heard on the internet. Like treats, an eCollar is a tool, and one that surprisingly DOES NOT HURT! How do I know? We tried it on ourselves at the setting we would be using on our dog! After our introductory meeting, we were paired with Hunter, who is just the most incredible dog trainer any owner could hope for. Our dog was working on reactivity toward other dogs. Hunter took the time to explain both high-level dog psychology to establish a framework for us to think about our dog's behavior, as well as multiple tangible tricks and training routines that we could put into daily practice. What I really like about Hunter's style of training is that he doesn't apply some inflexible, his-word-is-law approach, but meets our needs and our dog where they are. Could not recommend Dog Training Elite more highly (except by saying, work with Hunter if you can)!
— Robert Chen
Posted July 5th 2023
google
We cannot say enough about Matt and his team at Dog Training Elite. We recently completed our sessions for the service training and certification of our Labrador puppy, and they worked to make us each successful every step of the way. The trainers are all responsive and passionate about their work, and best of all, the dogs with which they train. Both the individual sessions and the group training sessions were well managed and essential components for our dog’s training. We are forever grateful to Matt and all of the staff at Dog Training Elite!
— Jennifer Falk
Posted June 18th 2023
google
Could not recommend Dog Training elite more!! Extremely dedicated group of people with a deep knowledge of dog behavior. Very compassionate and will work with you nonstop until you meet your goals with your pup!! Very happy with this amazing team.
— Natalie
Posted May 26th 2023
google
Best Training Program we have used! I really like how we train alongside our dog. All trainers are extremely helpful with excellent advice and solutions to issues. Matt has assembled a terrific team with well organized, educational classes. We’ve had a great time “at school” and my dog is making great strides in the Therapy Dog Program.
— Tina McNulty
Posted May 3rd 2023
google
I contacted Matt at Dog Training Elite because my 6 year old dog was holding me hostage. I couldn't leave him with anyone, I was uncomfortable when company came over. I tried local store Training classes but there were still problems. My dog was dragging me up and down hills, barking and jumping at other dogs and being possessive of furniture and other items in the house. He now plays with other dogs, walks along side of me, sits calmly and waits for commands. He is a happy dog now and I no longer worry about his behavior. Thank you Dog Training Elite.
— Debbie Cooper
Posted April 23rd 2023
google
I did a lot of research before picking Dog Training Elite. I am so happy with my decision. My puppy had learned so much in the 6 at home lessons. He had some aggressive behavioral issues that have gotten significantly better since we started training. I couldn’t recommend them more!
— Jane Hodell
Posted April 21st 2023
google
George did a fantastic job with Cooper and helped him with his anxiety and fear of new people. Cooper loved working with George and has a lot more confidence thanks to him
— Matt Sumners
Posted April 5th 2023
google
Matt and his team do an incredible job and they all have the best hearts. I reached out to DTE with a fear reactive dog, completely hysterical over a bite incident. Within 30 minutes Matt was at my house for an evaluation, and upon meeting my dog he decided that he did not think the aggressive program was necessary, and we gave the obedience program a try first, and he was right! We met a few trainers before finding one that not only bonded with my dog, but one my dog felt comfortable with, and for the remaining sessions it was him we had the pleasure of seeing once a week. He pushed all of us out of our comfort zone, challenging me to work hard and earn that trust and confidence my dog again. I am happy to say that with DTE’s obedience program we are now able to take the dog with us to eat on the patios of populated bars without so much as a bark or a growl. My dogs trust in me, my trust in him, and my trust in myself have all benefited from working with Dog Training Elite. I now have the tools to keep my dog, and everyone else safe, happy, and comfortable; and not only has the reactivity gotten better but my dog is overall better behaved, more obedient, less anxious, and just all around a better listener. I could not be more pleased or more grateful for my experience with Matt’s team of trainers.
— Mallory Newberry
Posted March 31st 2023
google
Five stars to Matt Willis and his staff of Dog Training Elite for their excellent work in training our miniature Australian Shepherd Poodle (Aussiedoodle) to be a psychiatric service dog. At four months they began teaching my small dog along with my husband and me. At age twelve months Maya became a certified psychiatric service dog. She now qualified to accompany us in restaurants, grocery stores, airplanes, public transportation and other public places. Without the expert assistance of Hunter, Dom, and particularly Matt obtaining certification would not have been possible in so short a time with such a young dog. I would recommend Matt and company to anyone wanting his or her dog to be obedient, follow commands and provide comfort, companionship and assistance. They are absolutely the BEST!
— Cindy
Posted March 29th 2023
google
Me and my puppy Napoleon had a great experience with Dom our trainer. He is amazing! I was worried about the collar and he was very gentle yet firm and guided us through it all. I highly recommend this program for anyone who wants to train their puppy !
— Sri kolli
Posted March 24th 2023
google
Originally came to DTE to help with leash aggression on my GSD puppy. After working with her a couple sessions, they identified that she was leash reactive, not aggressive, and her behavior is now under control between the 1:1 sessions with Hunter and Matt and the group sessions with all of the trainers (can't leave out Dom!). She has been enrolled in the personal protective training and is progressing nicely. The combination of 1:1 sessions and the group sessions at the training facility help the handlers learn proper training techniques and safety. Obedience and control of your K9 is always stressed in the protection classes and combines perfectly with the obedience training offered by DTE. I'm very happy with the knowledge, professionalism and service of the staff and look forward to working with them more in the future.
— Timothy Holdener
Posted March 19th 2023
google

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Dog Training Elite St. Louis offers expert services - like how to stop puppy biting.

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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At Dog Training Elite St. Louis, 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. Louis 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.

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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.

Dog Training Elite St. Louis has an award winning program in St. Louis, including how to get a puppy to stop biting.

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.

Dog Training Elite St. Louis can teach you how to stop puppy biting.