How to Stop a Doberman Pinscher Biting
As a breed, Doberman pinschers are one of the most intelligent, loyal and alert companion dogs suitable for both police work and family life. Unfortunately, their reputation as aggressive guard dogs precedes them mainly because of their athletic appearance, relatively large size and fearless temperament. Such a reputation is further reinforced by their tendency to bite especially as puppies.
Well, the Doberman’s reputation is undeserved in the light of their new role as favored family pets due to their protective instincts, frisky playfulness and intelligent demeanor. The trick is in ensuring that proper training both in and out the house is amply provided particularly where unwanted biting is concerned.
Understand the Behavior
It is essential to understand the motivation behind the biting behavior of the Doberman. This way, the appropriate actions can be performed to correct the bad behavior without alienating the dog.
Most Doberman puppies bite as a result of being taken away from their mothers at an early age. As a puppy, licking and biting are its means of touching its mother. Even in Doberman families, biting too hard is considered bad behavior and, hence, the mother will express her displeasure either by growling at the puppy or leaving it. In this way, the puppy learns the consequences of biting too hard. But when said puppy is taken from its mother, such a learning experience becomes lacking.
The puppy may also be biting on humans because it has not been taught otherwise by its handlers. The owners allow the puppy to lick and bite, a habit that can be carried over into adulthood. And that’s where the bite injuries that lead to the reputation as aggressive dogs come from.
Start Communicating
To stop the puppy from biting, it is necessary to start communicating in a similar manner as the mother Doberman. Of course, there is no need to bark and growl like the dog since human words do the trick just as well. For example, the word “Ouch” is sufficient to express one’s displeasure at the biting behavior of the puppy. Even when pain is not felt, the puppy must be told of one’s displeasure by firmly saying “Ouch” but never make the mistake of actually hitting any part of the puppy. The Doberman being an intelligent animal, it should get the message.
Providing Chew Toys
Viable alternatives must be provided for the Dobermans since it is their instinct to bite on something. This is especially true when puppies are in their teething stages, of which the biting behavior is meant to relieve pain. In this case, appropriate chew toys are highly recommended as alternatives. Keep in mind that said chew toys must not resemble any of the items in the house since it will send the wrong message to the puppies. For example, do not give wool toys as the bedroom blankets will be chewed later on.
Instead, opt for chew toys made from silicone and rubber materials in the form of balls, cubes and bones. It is also preferred if doggie treats are placed inside the toys so that the Doberman puppy can associate the chew toy with pleasant feelings.
Nobody said that results can be had in a day. It is necessary to keep at the training until the Doberman learns the lesson and stop biting out of the blue.