My over-excited puppy bites during play. What games calm her?

Question

My pup sometimes growls while playing tug-of-war. Its like an excited growl. She also likes bite when playing with me like a predator catching its prey. I think she is over excited when playing. My friend said a dog's bite doesn't hurt, but mine does. I got scratches by her bites. I read an article about tug-of-war can bring out a pup predator side. So basically, how can i calm an over excited pup? With what kind of play? Fyi she got more excited when my mom or me scold for her behaviour. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | unspayed | 2 months and 25 days old | 19.842 lbs

Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS · Accepted Answer

I am so sorry that you are experiencing these problems with biting with Kimi. I am sure it is very upsetting for you. First of all rest assured that this is a very normal puppy behaviour. Puppies learn through play biting and it is part of our role as pet parents to help them learn limits. I would not attempt negative reinforcement such as striking Kimi or speaking harshly as this will potentially create more serious behaviour issues such as anxiety and fear-aggression. Try some calm corrections and positive reinforcement. If Kimi bites you, simply say in a calm voice "no" and stop interacting with her for a few moments. This over time will teach her that biting is not a desired form of play. Also try reinforcing her as she starts to play in a good way by not biting, and giver her a small training treat. If Kimi does manage to bite hard enough to break the skin be careful of a possible infection. Monitor your wound for heat. Swelling, or discharge. Make an appointment with your doctor if this occurs. If you are struggling with the biting after a couple of weeks of the above suggested training methods, consider puppy socialisation classes or potentially a few sessions with a behaviourist. Other games which may be fun with Kimi are hide and go seek either with you and another person, or you hide her toys and she has to find them. Or classic fetch. I hope this was helpful!

My over-excited puppy bites during play. What games calm her?

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