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Puppy Training


How to Get a Puppy to Stop Biting

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919-998-6772


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Contact Dog Training Elite of the NC Triangle

Or Call to Schedule FREE In-Home Assessment

919-998-6772


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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 Durham and Chapel Hill, 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.

Dog Training Elite of the NC Triangle offers a professional puppy training program near you in Durham and Chapel Hill to teach how to get a puppy to stop biting.

Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite of the NC Triangle location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.


Silver

$1,295

  • In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 3 Sessions
  • Come
  • Loose Leash Walking
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Off(furniture when desired)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Place(go to bed)

Gold

$1,995

  • In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 Sessions
  • Group Park Training Sessions 12 Sessions
  • Come
  • Loose Leash Walking
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Off(furniture when desired)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Place(go to bed)
  • Heel(walk with you, no more pulling)
  • Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
  • Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
  • Housebreaking / Potty Training
  • Manners, Safety & Boundaries
  • STOP Jumping on People
  • STOP Biting & Nipping
  • STOP Bolting Through Doors, Running Away & Chasing Animals
  • STOP Begging & Stealing Food
  • STOP Chewing & Digging

Platinum

$2,595

Platinum offers advanced obedience/behavioral modification with a goal of off-leash control. Includes additional training options and offers more one-on-one and group sessions than Gold.

  • In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 8 Sessions
  • Group Park Training Sessions 16 Sessions
  • Come
  • Loose Leash Walking
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Off(furniture when desired)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Place(go to bed)
  • Heel(walk with you, no more pulling)
  • Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
  • Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
  • Housebreaking / Potty Training
  • Manners, Safety & Boundaries
  • STOP Jumping on People
  • STOP Biting & Nipping
  • STOP Bolting Through Doors, Running Away & Chasing Animals
  • STOP Begging & Stealing Food
  • STOP Chewing & Digging
  • *STOP Reactivity (dog & human)
  • *Stay With You on a Jog, Hike, or Bike Ride
  • *Emotional Support Dog Training(ESA)
  • *Control Agression
  • *Calm Extreme Anxiety(behavior modification)
Best In-Home Dog Trainers Near Me in Durham and Chapel Hill
Highest Rated Dog Obedience Trainers Near You in Durham and Chapel Hill
Top Dog Trainers Near Me in Durham and Chapel Hill
In-Home Dog Trainers Near You in Durham and Chapel Hill

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.


  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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.

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!

Alexx and Cindy are just great! Blue, our 4yr old Australian Shepherd is very reactive around other dogs and unfamiliar situations and we have let her world become very isolated as a result. After working several sessions with basic commands, Cindy's husband brought their very sweet doggo to the house allow Blue and I to practice our techniques to keep her focused on her job and me rather than worry about the other animal. He even shouted into his phone pretending to have an argument when approaching to provide us with a different situation to manage. I was so touched that they have such dedication to have ALL THREE trainers at once help us work towards achieving our goal of taking her where we go and visiting the brewery where my husband works, feeling safe and confident as owners. She recently went to her first group session with my husband who is less confident with Blue. They supervised her closely and were ready to step in if necessary but gave him space to work with her - it went great! The team at Dog Training Elite is truly dedicated to our success and have been genuinely joyful with the accomplishments we have made thus far. We know both our and Blue's ingrained behaviors will take time to change and feel confident we will have their support now and in the future.
— Chris Williams
Posted September 19th 2024
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Alexx and Cindy are amazing! They listened to us and acknowledged all our concerns for my dog and have worked with us to achieve all our goals! For context when we adopted our pittie, we’ve had hopes of having her become a service dog. We started with obedience training and after seeing the amazing difference that all the training with them has made we are so excited to have our pup be an amazing service dog! They truly care and love what they do and it shows very much!
— Evie Rocko
Posted September 13th 2024
google
When Cindy and James came to see my Annie, I was nervous. I didn’t want Annie to misbehave, even though they were there to train her. They made me feel so comfortable as well as Annie. After the first visit, Alexx started coming weekly to teach my Annie good manners. With her patients and professionalism, Annie was improving and was eager to impress which made me proud. I would recommend anyone who needs help with their pet, big or small, to train with this company. I would pay double the price with the results my Annie and myself have received. Thank you Cindy, Alexx and James for your love and compassion!!!
— Ellen De La Garza
Posted July 5th 2024
google
They are absolutely amazing so kind and willing to work with u the vibe they give off can calm any dog and make them fall in love with the training and trainers very knowledgeable and amazing to work with i cant say enough great things about them
— Adrianna Tozier
Posted July 9th 2024
google
Great experience with Dig Training Elite. Cindy, the owner, is very service oriented. Worked with good trainers, Alex and James (and Cindy). Our puppy has made incredible progress in two months.
— Barbara H
Posted June 15th 2024
google
I was thoroughly excited with Cindy and her colleague to visit my baby dog Daisy may. They spent two hours listening to my story’s and wants of Daisy. They are a compassionate company from my observation. The only thing I would have liked is if they had more experience in time but I also understand a person can have desire and drive for perfection. So they brought their sweet dogs and showed me their lab. I have to say I was impressed none the less and because of our conversation and seeing a confident dog in action is why I decided to go with them. I’m looking forward to working with them and will write a review based off my experience after that is done. They left me feeling confident in their abilities as trainers that take their job seriously in like other. So I will update this review with images of the success and support that the company provides. Sincerely, Jonathan
— Jonathan Forman
Posted February 15th 2024
google
I am so grateful to have the privilege of working with Alexx to train my sweet and curious puppy to be the perfect service animal. Alexx is an amazing listener and draws in humans and animals alike with her empathy and genuine personality. She always patiently answered all of my questions and helped my dog through even his most stubborn phases. We can't thank Alexx enough for everything!
— Sarah Hardin Gustafson
Posted November 16th 2023
google
While I am just starting my journey with Dog Training Elite, I could not be more impressed. The owners are patient and kind and go above and beyond to answer any and all questions. They are very knowledgable and flexible and have gone above and beyond in the initial interviewing process. I will be training my service dog with them and can't be more excited!
— Rebecca Cook
Posted September 18th 2023
google
Alexx was awesome with training my daughter with her dog Xena. She was patient with them and gave my daughter the confidence to train and be consistent with Xena. Xena learned not only obedience but task to help my daughter function when anxious. Awesome job!!!
— Kisha Williams
Posted August 17th 2023
google
Alexx helped me train my 4-7 month old German Shepherd to be my psych service dog. He is so amazing thanks to our work together. Because of her amazing instruction I felt confident and supported in the process. She is kind, personable, and empathetic which I found very important when working with her to help my dog help me. I have really loved learning from her and feel that I gained a friend. Can’t imagine learning from anyone else. We love Alexx!
— Margaret Skillman
Posted May 12th 2023
google
Alexx has been a tremendous trainer. She is so patient, easy-going, and direct with her steps to train my dog. She equips me with the tools and knowledge to tackle on each week's focus. I would recommend Dog Training Elite to any friend, family, or stranger. They will come to your house and work with you and your dog.
— Janet Sanchez
Posted October 12th 2022
google
We could not be any happier with your company and the wonderful loving staff. Our dog Cody is a 130 pound German Shepard that was Mr Man, ruler of all things in our yard, next door, across the street, in the sky… ha. He chased and barked at everything. Thanks to you guys he now has manners. Everyone that visits can’t believe the difference. People that use to be afraid of him, now visit and compliment us on how sweet he is. He just needed some training and so did we. Thank you!!!! Pam, Tony snd Cody!!!!!!❤️
— Pam Godwin
Posted June 16th 2022
google
DTE is amazing! Though skeptical at first, I'm now convinced that they are the best and have an awesome dog to show for it! The team is great and I highly recommend!!!
— Paul Hearn
Posted June 16th 2022
google
I highly recommend Dog Training Elite! From their training methods to the care and respect they show towards the dogs and owners, you can’t go wrong!
— Cassie Frank
Posted June 16th 2022
google
Cindy and her team are so amazing to work with! I'd highly recommend them to anyone looking for the best dog trainer in the Durham/Chapel Hill area.
— Pablo Riboldi
Posted May 31st 2022
google
A little over a year ago we adopted two rescues from Saving Grace(amazing group). However one was so anxious and scared of everything, even his shadow, would upset him. We tried training with another company and were told he was untrainable since he wasn’t treat motivated. We were running short on options. Dog Training Elite has given us a way to communicate and bond with Henry and appreciate each other. Henry is a happier pup We are enthusiastic advocates for the e collar and Dog Training Elite. Within hours, we are walking Henry with ease and at a comfortable pace. All of our challenges have been overcome and outings with Henry are a great experience. Henry has moved from being very anxious and hard to walk to a pleasure and fun. Henry has progressed so well that we have been able to go to lowes where loud noises and commotion were triggers for Henry and he overcame and interacted in a friendly manner. We are very excited and so impressed with the program. Henry’s growth has been nothing but phenomenal. Dog Training Elite is outstanding! We are very excited and so impressed with the program.
— Bruce T
Posted May 28th 2022
google
Cindy's passion for business and for animals is unmatched. She is very personable yet professional and she truly cares about driving high quality results for dog training. She and her team will work their tails off to deliver the quality service you sign up for. She's also passionate about community involvement and giving back to the community especially through service dogs. She truly wants to strengthen the relationship you have with your dog. I wish I could give 10 stars, highly recommend!
— Kyle Christie
Posted May 17th 2022
google

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Dog Training Elite of the NC Triangle offers expert services - like how to stop puppy biting.

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.

Dog Training Elite of the NC Triangle has an award winning program in Durham and Chapel Hill, including how to get a puppy to stop biting.

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.

Dog Training Elite of the NC Triangle can teach you how to stop puppy biting.