This is a common problem that many pet owners experience, and it can be very detrimental to your relationship with your dog. Biting is a natural behavior for Labrador Retriever puppies, though if not curbed, can be a negative behavioral trait that develops in older dogs. It’s important to take action as soon as your dog exhibits this behavior, because it is much easier to discourage your dog from biting at an early age. Ideally, anti-biting training should begin when your dog is still a puppy.
There are two main types of biting, each with its own set of causes and prevention measures. The first type of biting is “play biting”, which is biting with playful or affectionate intentions. This is usually very evident in puppies or young dogs, as this is the first method that they engage in when playing with their littermates. In the wild, biting is discouraged by a puppy eventually learning the connection between biting and a pain response, as they are in constant contact with their littermates, exchanging playful bites. However, because most puppies are taken from their litter before this learning process is completed, it falls upon you, their owner, to continue this training.
The second type of biting is “aggressive biting”, or fear-induced biting. This is a very negative behavioral trait that is usually evident in older dogs, especially if they have been rescued from an abusive household. This is a very dangerous type of biting, as it is characterized by the dog intending to harm the object causing the fear response. Correcting this behavior can be a very involved process, and will require a lot of patience with your dog.
A type of “play biting”, which is non-malicious biting, is initially exhibited in puppies up to four months of age. By the age of four months, your puppy’s adult teeth will begin to come in, which will provide them significant discomfort. In order to alleviate this discomfort, they will be constantly looking for objects to bite and chew on. This is normal behavior, and can be remedied by providing lots of chew toys of various materials for your puppy. If they have constant access to teething toys, it is less likely that they will feel the need to bite you, or other household objects.
Labrador Retrievers are very affectionate dogs, and may be inclined to show their affection by “mouthing” your hands, which is classified as biting. This behavior is an instinctual canine behavior, and usually begins at a very early age. This is normal behavior for dogs in the wild, but is classified as negative behavior in the home. It is your job as your pet’s trainer to instruct them to abstain from this behavior, otherwise they will have no way of knowing that it is negative behavior.
A prime cause of aggressive biting is lack of socialization. A good socialization program with your Labrador Retriever involves constantly exposing them to as much external stimuli as possible. It is your responsibility to help your dog to be comfortable with the world, and to assure them that you will not willingly expose them to anything that could potentially cause them harm. Building trust with your Labrador is extremely important, as it will help your dog to be more readily accepting of new experiences. Exposing your dog to other people and dogs is a huge part of socialization, since it will help them realize that the outside world is not a hostile place. If your dog is not properly socialized, it will cause them to constantly be afraid of unfamiliar people, dogs, sounds, and experiences. This will trigger aggressive behavior, since your dog is acting out of fear. Biting is a huge part of aggressive behavior, because it is your dog’s prime way of protecting themselves. If your dog constantly portrays aggressive behavior, it is because they are scared, and you need to take measures to teach them that there is no need to be afraid.
There are many proven successful tactics for preventing your dog from biting. Ideally, these training tactics should be implemented as early as possible, since this will make the learning process much easier for you and your dog. One of the most effective way of training your dog against negative behavior is by using constant positive reinforcement for good behavior (i.e. abstaining from biting). Positive reinforcement is the basis of “clicker training”, which is currently the best proven effective method for training Labrador Retrievers.
A good specific method for instructing your Labrador not to bite is called the “Yelp and Shun” method. This method is very similar to the “anti-biting” conditioning of dogs in the wild, and your dog will be able to easily understand your response. When your dog bites you, try to yelp as loud as you can, similar to the sound a dog makes when it is in pain. After this, immediately turn away from your dog and ignore them completely. Do not engage in any interaction for several minutes, even if your dog whines or looks confused. With repeated implementation, this method will teach your Labrador that biting causes them to be ignored.
Another effective method for discouraging biting is to attract your dog’s attention with a more interesting object when they bite. Carry a toy or filled bone in your pocket, and when your dog bites or tugs on you, instantly bring out the toy to capture their attention. This works especially well if you have a flavored or edible toy, as food will always be more interesting to chew on than your arm!
Whether your dog exhibits “play biting” or “aggressive biting”, it’s important to remain patient. Training your dog takes significant time, and should be pursued with the same loving care as if you were instructing a child. Your dog looks to you for approval, and you are the only one who can teach them the difference between good and bad behavior.
