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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 evaluation 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(go to bed)
  • Heel(walk with you without pulling)
  • Sit(next to you)

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):
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Highest Rated Dog Obedience Trainers Near You in St. Louis
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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!

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
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We started service dog training with DTE in January 2023. We are now in group classes with Roselle. We cannot say enough great things about DTE STL. We drive an hour and twenty minutes each direction to go to training, and it is worth every minute and mile.
— Natasha Bassett
Posted March 18th 2023
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We LOVE Elite! Matt was incredibly helpful at our initial meeting. He was open and transparent by what we could expect from the dog trainer's, our dog and from ourselves. Freyja, our German Shepherd, has thrived under their training. Our trainer Hunter has been amazing! She went from being terrified of being in a new space to confidently doing all the commands she has learned. Can't wait to see how much she grows and learns.
— Keri Ann Hunt
Posted March 18th 2023
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So thankful for Hunter and DTE! I was worried that Tater would have been deemed as an actual “aggressive” dog but a few minutes with the owner, Matt, and he knew that she did not deserve that label and she was able to be helped. Within 1 session she was already on her way to becoming more comfortable in herself as a dog and relax. Thank you Hunter and DTE!
— Bree White
Posted February 25th 2023
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We couldn’t be happier with Dog Training Elite. We started working with them at the puppy stage and decided to continue with training. Now my daughter has the perfect ESA dog for the support she needs. We have people tell us all the time what a well behaved dog we have and we owe it all to the trainers at Dog Training Elite!
— Becky E
Posted February 7th 2023
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Hunter has this amazing understanding of dogs and their humans. Would definitely recommend Dog Training Elite, it was a great experience and totally worth the time and effort. We immediately saw results after the first session, how exciting!! Thanks for all your help, our Finn has done a 180 and we couldn't be happier.
— debbie struckhoff
Posted November 9th 2022
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Unbelievable experience with DTE! My family couldn’t be happier with the transformation because of their program.
— Matt Bishop
Posted October 27th 2022
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Highly recommend. Jason, Dominic and Hunter helped transform our 2 cane corsos from having no manners to being great dogs that listen and are now great in the house.
— Dan Baker
Posted October 25th 2022
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I would highly recommend Dog Training Elite to any dog owner. The skills and knowledge not only taught to my pet but to myself are invaluable. I have had a few dogs in the past and have gone through other training programs; but Elite by far is the best program, I have experienced. The staff and trainers are top notch professionals. Special thanks to Dom and Matt.
— Michael Lumetta
Posted October 13th 2022
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Definitely worth the investment. Not only is Claire now an off leash dog, I feel comfortable knowing how to use the e-collar properly in a positive relationship with my dog. Jason was awesome.
— Zachary Roe
Posted October 13th 2022
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Matt is extremely professional and personable and truly cares about driving high quality results. He is passionate about improving your relationship with your dog and provides an extremely high level of customer service. If you are looking for results and a great experience, look no further. Highly recommend!
— Kyle Christie
Posted September 1st 2022
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Dog training Elite has been awesome for our family. Our dog Koa has been going since he was 9 weeks old. Koa has learned so much and grown so much because of their training. We can’t wait to see our pup graduate into a service dog. They are flexible with our schedules and work with us even though we live about an hour and a half south. They have been amazing.
— Brittany Lay
Posted July 14th 2022
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DTE is the only training method that has worked with my 1.5 year old stubborn lab. It has brought order back to our house and made her an all around better pup. The team is professional and knowledgable, I would recommend them to anyone!
— Laura Bickel
Posted July 5th 2022
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Had a great experience with DTE! I was a little skeptical of the method at first, but we stuck to the program and did the homework as instructed. We are lightyears away from where we started with our dog in just 2 short months. Looking forward to the group trainings to get us to our end goal.
— Cole Harte
Posted July 1st 2022
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Jason helped me with my 2 Dogs. I have a Pit mix that was reactive and is now no longer reactive and does great off leash, along with a Hound mix that was near impossible to get to listen to simple commands that now can be off leash and listens very well.
— Rick M
Posted June 27th 2022
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Working with Dog Training Elite has been the very best investment of time and money for my family and Daisy. We spent thousands of dollars with other training organizations and nothing worked for us. What I loved about Dog Training Elite initially was that the trainers were going to come to my home, where they could see and help me best address Daisy's unmannerly behaviors. Within 2 days of using their tools and approaches, we saw a dramatic positive change - less jumping on people and less barking at the door bell. In only got better from there. The techniques are easy and enjoyable for us and Daisy. I now have a well behaved dog who walks nicely on a leash and is mannerly in my home. I have to believe that she is much happier now that she understands our expectations. Cameron and Dominic did a phenomenal job for us and we look forward to the group training sessions later this month where Daisy can strut her stuff! We are so proud of her.
— Sue Slattery
Posted June 9th 2022
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DTE is great! They really helped to work on my dogs leash aggression. Very knowledgeable and can tell they love dogs!
— Katie Petri
Posted May 14th 2022
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DTE has completely changed our family dynamics with our puppy Ned. We were hesitant about using an e-collar at first, but after completing the training we would do it all over again. We wanted Ned to be trained well enough so that we could take him everywhere we go without added stress. Walks are more enjoyable without him pulling to get ahead, no more table surfing, and he actively listens to us on the first command. Highly recommend DTE, the staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. They answered all of our questions and explained every aspect of the training. Jason was great to work with!
— Ellen Claire Tipp
Posted May 6th 2022
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DTE was recommended by a friend who was using them. After letting her know my pup was having issues playing with other dogs, she let me know how effective they have been with their dogs. I was hesitant because of the price point, but these are skills my pup will use for the rest of her life, so I decided to take the chance. Having them come for individualized sessions and teaching was key for me. But then the follow up of group classes would be the deal sealer. Communication before and after the sessions was/is a bit lacking, but if you really needed to be in touch, someone would get back to you quickly...within the day. I look forward to continuing the training with her 16 group classes! I gave a 4 at this point because we're really only a quarter of the way through the training.
— Valerie Silberman
Posted May 5th 2022
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We have been in training since Jan 2022. It is amazing how with the right tools your dog will shine. We have a golden lab, hes 7 months old, he is being trained for a service dog for my grandson. Matt and his trainers have been awesome with him. He is doing things that are amazing to watch. When you see a puppy turn into an obedient dog its a wonderful feeling. We are in the adolescent stage so yes it gets rough but so worth it when he shows off and does an awesome job. I see our experience going forward to be hard work but Matt and all of his trainers will be right by our side as we get to our goal. Thank you guys so much for taking care of our future worker!
— Bobbie Schoonover
Posted April 28th 2022
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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 work's 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 evaluation 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.