Recognized for their gentle temperament, immense size, and droopy eyes, the St. Bernard is a beloved breed, historically revered as a rescue dog in the Swiss Alps. But before they mature into the gentle giants they’re known to be, a St. Bernard Puppy may pass through a biting phase. Addressing this behavior promptly and correctly is pivotal to ensure that your St. Bernard Puppy grows up with sound behavior and manners. This article serves as a guide to effectively manage and reduce the biting tendencies of a St. Bernard Puppy.
1. Understanding the Biting Behavior of a St. Bernard Puppy
First and foremost, understanding the reasons behind your St. Bernard Puppy’s biting can guide your training methods:
- Teething Phase: Every St. Bernard Puppy goes through a teething phase, which can cause discomfort. Biting can be their way to soothe their gums.
- Curiosity & Exploration: For a St. Bernard Puppy, their world is vast and new. They might use their mouth to explore objects, textures, and even people.
- Playfulness: Play-biting is common in puppies, and your St. Bernard Puppy is no exception. They might not realize the strength of their jaw, making it essential to teach bite inhibition.
2. Adequate Chew Toys for Teething Relief
To assist your St. Bernard Puppy during the teething phase, offer a variety of chew toys specifically designed for puppies. This not only provides relief but also redirects their biting tendencies towards acceptable items.
3. Use Clear Vocal Cues
Should your St. Bernard Puppy bite harder than expected during play, immediately vocalize your discomfort, saying “ouch” or “no bite”. This provides feedback, indicating to your St. Bernard Puppy that the force was excessive.
4. Prioritize Consistency
Make certain that everyone in the household is on the same page regarding the St. Bernard Puppy’s behavior. A uniform approach ensures that the St. Bernard Puppy doesn’t receive mixed messages, making training more effective.
5. Socialize Your St. Bernard Puppy
Early socialization for a St. Bernard Puppy is crucial. Introduce them to different sounds, sights, people, and other animals. A well-socialized St. Bernard Puppy is generally more balanced and less prone to biting out of fear or aggression.
6. Redirection Strategy
If you anticipate a bite from your St. Bernard Puppy, redirect their attention towards a toy or another activity. This proactive step instills in the St. Bernard Puppy an understanding of appropriate and inappropriate behaviors.
7. Employ the “Time-Out” Method
If your St. Bernard Puppy exhibits aggressive biting, consider giving them a brief “time-out”. This pause in interaction emphasizes that aggressive behavior won’t be tolerated and results in playtime coming to a halt.
8. Positive Reinforcement
Always be quick to reward your St. Bernard Puppy when they showcase desired behavior. Whether it’s a treat, praise, or a pat, positive reinforcement encourages good behavior.
9. Consider Professional Assistance
If your St. Bernard Puppy continues to demonstrate aggressive biting tendencies, it might be time to consult a professional dog trainer. They can offer bespoke strategies to address the unique needs of your St. Bernard Puppy.
10. Participate in Puppy Training Classes
Enrolling your St. Bernard Puppy in a training class can be immensely beneficial. Not only will they learn basic commands, but interacting with other puppies can help teach bite inhibition.
An Online Dog Training Course Can Help Your St. Bernard to Stop Biting
Our 2 favorite online courses are:
1. SpiritDog’s “Perfect Obedience” Course
The Perfect Dog Obedience Bundle is an online dog training program designed to help dog owners achieve well-behaved pets. The comprehensive course covers basic obedience, biting, loose leash walking, and includes bonus mini-courses on training habits and rewards, stopping jumping, and separation anxiety solutions. With lifetime access to expert trainers for personalized feedback and a 60-day money-back guarantee, this course aims to provide effective, accessible training for a variety of dog behavior issues.
2. K9 Training Institute’s “Dog Masterclass”
More than just an obedience course, this more comprehensive training course tackles any behavior problem you might face with your dog.
Conclusion
Nurturing a St. Bernard Puppy into the kind-hearted, gentle adult dog they’re known to be requires patience, understanding, and consistent training methods. By addressing biting tendencies from the outset, you pave the way for a harmonious relationship with your St. Bernard Puppy. Remember, this breed, historically trained to save lives, has an innate ability to understand and respond to training, making your journey a rewarding one. Guide your young gentle giant with diligence and love, and watch them blossom into the well-mannered companion you desire.
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