Yes, teething can cause a puppy to bite more. Puppies go through a teething stage between three and six months of age, during which their adult teeth replace their puppy teeth. This can be a painful and uncomfortable process, and puppies may seek relief by chewing on objects and biting.
During the teething stage, puppies may be more prone to biting and mouthing as they explore their environment and try to relieve their discomfort. They may also be more irritable and sensitive to touch. Teething puppies may be more likely to bite when they are overstimulated, tired, or anxious.
To prevent teething-related biting, it is important to provide puppies with appropriate chew toys to help relieve their discomfort. Chew toys can help satisfy their urge to chew and provide relief for their sore gums. Avoid giving your puppy items to chew on that could be harmful, such as shoes or electrical cords.
It is also important to redirect your puppy’s biting behavior when they attempt to bite or mouth you or other people. Use a firm “no” or “ouch” to signal that the behavior is not acceptable, and provide a chew toy as an alternative. Consistency is key in redirecting your puppy’s behavior.
In addition to providing chew toys and redirecting biting behavior, it is important to continue socializing and training your puppy during the teething stage. Socialization and training can help your puppy learn appropriate behavior and reduce their tendency to bite or exhibit other aggressive behaviors.
In conclusion, teething can cause a puppy to bite more as they seek relief for their discomfort. Providing appropriate chew toys and redirecting biting behavior can help prevent teething-related biting. Socializing and training your puppy during the teething stage can also help prevent biting and other aggressive behaviors. With proper care and attention, your puppy can successfully navigate the teething stage and become a well-behaved adult dog.
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- Canadian Working Dog Federation (CWDF): This organization offers Schutzhund/IPO/IGP titles and competitions for several breeds in Canada.