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There is so much to love about puppies. They’re adorable, snuggly, loving and playful. But puppies also come with some destructive behaviors — accidents inside the house, chewing on things they aren’t supposed to, and perhaps worst of all, biting.
Biting, or “mouthing,” is part of how a puppy learns about the world. It’s often meant to be a playful behavior, but those sharp little teeth can hurt! Here are a few tips on how to stop puppy biting in Annapolis, even in a playful way.
Looking for more comprehensive puppy training? Check out our Puppy Essentials Webinar or schedule a free in-home assessment with one of our professional trainers.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Platinum
$2,975
OUR MOST POPULAR PACKAGE!
LIFETIME SUPPORT
Our platinum package offers you training sessions throughout your dog's lifetime! Follow-up sessions to be scheduled once per month as needed, after initial program is completed.
Training Equipment Included: E-collar and Accessories
- One-on One & In-Home Training Sessions 8 Sessions
- Group Park Sessions Unlimited
- Lifetime support via text/email and in-person support sessions *scheduled at trainer's discretion (no more than once per month, after completing initial program
- Come
- Heel(walk with you without pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Off(furniture, if desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Get Into Car or Kennel
- Build Confidence
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- STOP Running Away
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Puppy Biting
- STOP Chasing Animals
- STOP Chewing
- STOP Digging
- Choose to Address Advanced Concerns: - Control Aggression (dog & human) - Calm Anxiety
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Or Choose One Tailored Skill Below: *Specialized training options based upon your dog's abilities.
- Emotional Support Dog Training
- Ride on a Golf Cart, Skateboard, or Wagon
- Stay with You on Jog, Hike, or Bike Ride
- Other Custom Command Approved by Trainer
Out on the Town
$2,975
LIFETIME SUPPORT
Out on the Town offers advanced obedience/behavioral modification with a goal of off-leash control.
5 of the 8 sessions are one-on-one and in-home. The final 3 sessions are "out on the town" at dog-friendly locations you select (within our service area). This may be a dog-friendly store, brewery, winery, walk through Downtown Annapolis waterfront, hikes in the park, visit to a marina, and more.
Training Equipment Included: E-collar and Accessories
- One-on One & In-Home Training Sessions 8 Sessions
- Group Park Sessions Unlimited
- Lifetime support via text/email and in-person support sessions *scheduled at trainer's discretion (no more than once per month, after completing initial program
- Come
- Heel(walk with you without pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Off(furniture, if desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Get Into Car or Kennel
- Build Confidence
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- STOP Running Away
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Puppy Biting
- STOP Chasing Animals
- STOP Chewing
- STOP Digging
Gold
$2,225
Training Equipment Included: E-collar and Accessories
- One-on One & In-Home Training Sessions 5 Sessions
- Group Park Sessions 12 Sessions
- Come
- Heel(walk with you without pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Off(furniture, if desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Build Confidence
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- STOP Running Away & Bolting Through Doors
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Puppy Biting
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Chasing Animals
- STOP Chewing
- STOP Digging
Our Balanced Theory
We base our training around the "Classical Conditioning" model (a.k.a. "Pavlovian" or "respondent conditioning"). This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.
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Empowering Owners
We empower Owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times. -
Personalized
We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis. -
Environment Specific
We train wherever issues tend to arise (i.e. jogging, park, home).
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Supportive
We support Owners in the off-hours (when training is "not in session"). -
Involved
We work with all members of the household. -
Simplified & Customized
We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 20 min/day follow-up practice.
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Continued Training
Additional programs / group sessions offered after in-home training. -
Lifetime Investment
We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term. -
Satisfaction Ratings
Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors.
clas·si·cal con·di·tion·ing
PSYCHOLOGY
noun
A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired; a response that is at first elicited by the second stimulus and is eventually elicited by the first stimulus alone.
We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call!
We could not be happier with Dog Training Elite! We got our Boston Terrier (Ruthie) from a rescue organization after she spent 7 years of her life as a puppy mill mom. She had never lived in a house before and we wanted some help with getting her trained to help her transition into our family. Christy has done an excellent job not only training Ruthie, but educating us on how to continue her training during the week. She’s great on the leash and does great on the soccer fields now—exactly what we were hoping for!— Thomas Hathaway
Posted October 11th 2024
I'd highly recommend Dog Training Elite. More than just the training, Christy really took the time to help us understand why our dogs act in certain ways and what will motivate them. Just be prepared to receive a lot of compliments about your dog's obedience in public!— Alex Adler
Posted September 24th 2024
Our training program with Dog Training Elite was a huge success. Christy and her team (Samantha for us) were really easy to work with, and seem to have a strong, intuitive connection with doggies. Annie is a changed dog. Significantly less pulling on the leash, (almost none) comes when we call, stays in her "place" when told, and much more. We are so grateful and look forward to the play groups.— Lyn Hopkins
Posted February 8th 2023
I did the 5 week training plan with Dog training elite and could not be happier with the results. My 9 month old lab was disobedient in just about every way. Christy and Sean did an amazing job transforming my dog into a great obedient pet . Come , sit , lay down , heel and place ,are just a few of the commands that I now have at my disposal. I would highly recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone considering training .— Rick Clow
Posted January 17th 2023
Christy and Sean did an amazing job with my 9 month old puppy Koda . I went from chasing my dog around the yard to bring him back , to having him respond to my every command. The whole experience was very informative and enjoyable. Christy was very flexible with the in home training . I had to reschedule a couple appointments and it was no problem at all. I would highly recommend dog training elite to anyone looking for dog training.— Rick Clow
Posted January 17th 2023
I contacted Dog Training Elite to help with training purposes as well as anxiety with my dog. I have a black lab who I started with them when she was about 10 months old. She struggled with anxiety ever since this past summer with fireworks, as before that she had no problem! Ever since working with Dog Training Elite, they have instilled many great training qualities in her, and us as owners that has really helped her confidence and anxiety in situations. When we notice something may scare her and she cowers back, we always resort back to the commands and she has no problem. I highly recommend Dog training Elite if you not only want your dog trained to a high standard, but for yourself to also learn how to train your dog and know what to do in certain situations!— Jara Matlick
Posted January 9th 2023
Dog Training Elite was a life changer for me and my dog. This training method is very practical and makes my life so much easier. My dog listens so well to the commands he was taught and I can take him anywhere and know I will be able to maintain control. I needed to have this with such a large breed.— Emily Kellen
Posted January 7th 2023
We love Dog Training Elite Annapolis! They have been flexible with training times and made training our newfypoo an enjoyable experience. He is on his way to being a PSD dog for our daughter and we are forever grateful for their continued guidance.— Danielle Clark
Posted December 30th 2022
Our dog is now enjoyable to be around. She is much better behaved, listens to commands, and is easy to walk. All thanks to Christy and Sam at Dog Training Elite Annapolis.— Amy Hetherington
Posted December 29th 2022
How to Get a Puppy to Stop Biting? Teach them that Biting Hurts
Getting a puppy to quit mouthing is actually very simple. You just have to teach your puppy that biting hurts.
How do you teach this? By helping your puppy learn “bite inhibition.” Bite inhibition is a puppy or a dog’s ability to control how hard they bite. Typically puppies learn bite inhibition from playing with other puppies. Biting or mouthing is a common play tactic between puppies and dogs, but occasionally a puppy will bite too hard. This causes their playmate to yelp with pain and stop playing.
The reaction of the bitten puppy helps the puppy who did the biting realize their mistake and learn not to bite so hard. Just like puppies learn how to be gentle with each other, they can learn the same lesson from humans. Even if your puppy has learned bite inhibition while playing with other puppies or dogs, they still need to be taught how sensitive human skin is.
Follow the example of your puppy’s playmates. Let your puppy mouth your hands during play. When they bite you too hard, yelp like a puppy and let your hand go limp to indicate that you have been hurt. This should stop your puppy from continuing to bite you or continuing to play. When they stop, or if they attempt to make you feel better by licking your hand, praise your puppy and resume play. You can also try “time-outs” for your puppy, where you stop playing for 20 seconds after being bitten.
The goal is to teach your puppy that if they bite, playing stops. If they are gentle, play continues. Make sure to reward your puppy with praise and possibly treats when they do a good job. At Dog Training Elite, we know positive reinforcement is the best and most effective way to train puppies and dogs.
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Take it to the Next Level
Once your puppy understands that they shouldn’t bite human skin hard, start working on teaching them not to bite human skin at all. Use the same techniques of yelping and stopping play. Over time, gradually reduce the amount of biting you allow until your puppy eventually learns not to bite at all.
Some other techniques for to stop mouthing include the distraction method. If your puppy tends to want to bite you when you pet him, distract him with treats so he’ll get used to being touched without mouthing your hands or arms. Keep your puppy’s favorite toy with you, and if she starts mouthing your hands, give her the toy to bite instead.
What to Avoid
There are some behaviors we humans tend to engage in when we want to play with puppies that actually encourage them to bite. If you’re at a loss for how to stop a puppy from biting, make sure to avoid these habits:
- Avoid wiggling your fingers or toes in your puppy’s face to entice them to play. This encourages your puppy to bite your hands and feet.
- Don’t jerk your hands away from your puppy if they bite you. They might lunge forward to grab you with their mouth.
- Never slap or hit a puppy for biting. This ineffective and cruel and can backfire as a training method. Your puppy might start to play more aggressively, with more biting, or they can become afraid of you.
At Dog Training Elite, we never use physical punishment to train puppies and dogs. We focus on rewarding desired behaviors. This method of training helps build a strong, loving bond between puppies and their owners.
Start Puppy Training Now
Teaching your pup not to bite is a huge accomplishment. But puppies have so much more to learn, and even the thought of having to train a puppy can be overwhelming. If you’re struggling with your puppy’s destructive behavior or looking for help with general training, call Dog Training Elite. We have a tried and true training method that really works for dogs of any age, including puppies. Dog Training Elite offers both individual in–home training and obedience classes for puppies.
In–home training is the perfect way to help you and your puppy bond while working with one of our professional trainers. Our trainers will adapt training to your environment and needs and empower you to continue training on your own. Obedience classes are also a great way to help your puppy learn by exposing them to other dogs and people and new sights and sounds. Combining in–home training with obedience classes ensures a well–behaved puppy who learns quickly.
What are you waiting for? Contact Dog Training Elite today for a free in–home assessment or schedule a free training demo to see what your puppy can become.
