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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 Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Silver
$1,350
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 3 Sessions
- Group Training Classes 1 Month
- Come
- Place(go to bed)
- Heel(walk with you without pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture if desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
Gold
$1,950
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 Sessions
- Group Training Classes 3 Months
- Come
- Heel(walk with you without pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture if desired)
- Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Mouthing & Nipping
- STOP Chewing & Digging
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Bolting Through Doors & Running Away
- STOP Chasing Animals, Cars & Bikes
Platinum
$2,950
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 Training Classes Unlimited
- Lifetime support via text/email and in-person support sessions *scheduled at trainer's discretion
- Come
- Heel(walk with you without pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture if desired)
- Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Mouthing & Nipping
- STOP Chewing & Digging
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Bolting Through Doors & Running Away
- STOP Chasing Animals, Cars & Bikes
- STOP Reactivity (dog & human)
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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.
- Therapy dog training
See Details
- Emotional Support Dog Training
- Stay with You on Jog, Hike, or Bike Ride
- Other Custom Command Approved by Trainer
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!
Great time helping my pup name Ace he’s a Belgian Malinos breed after his training he has been easier to handle Hard work has paid off We are expecting to keep with his training at the park with your facility Trainer took his time to explain n help us greatly I would Highly recommend them— Maria G
Posted October 15th 2024
Would 10/10 recommend. Clayton was so helpful and understanding when it came to my reactive cattle dog— Ryan Peterlin
Posted October 15th 2024
Clayton is an amazing trainer who has not only taught our stubborn Jack Russell Terrier to listen and respond…..he has also taught us to be consistent with the training techniques and the results are fantastic. The time we have spent training our dog Gary for the last 8 weeks will pay off for a lifetime!— Brittney Post
Posted September 20th 2024
Clayton was great and very knowledgeable. They do awesome work.— Josh S
Posted September 18th 2024
Jon and Clayton are awesome. Our German Shepherd is a rescue and was very territorial at our house. The guys gave us great tools to redirect his aggression and teach him good manners. The whole experience has been outstanding. Highly recommend these guys.— Mike Feldman
Posted September 5th 2024
Just had my training session with Clayton he was so sweet and gentle with my big 92 lb dog. Taught me a lot in such a short time. Will be ordering Anya her little bed to focus on practicing her place command. Thank you again Clayton was a pleasure:)!— Sonia Vera
Posted August 7th 2024
Amazing training session for my nervous puppy! She was able to learn 3 new training skills the first day.— brianna gutierrez
Posted July 31st 2024
Had an intro session at my apartment. Learned a ton about how I can be more effective training my pup and some errors I was making— Akshay S
Posted July 31st 2024
Clayton is super patient and great at communicating. I like that he's very honest and helpful . I really enjoyed my dogs training session walking my dog will be less of a hassle now. He also saved my dog from an attack I swear Clayton is the best— Brit Hall
Posted July 25th 2024
This was the very best dog training session I've ever come across! Clayton, our dog training was absolutely great! He was very knowledgeable about dogs and knows exactly what it takes to get a dog on track in any area of training! I would absolutely recommend this company and Clayton, to anyone who needs help understanding their dogs, etc. He gave us so many great tips and explained so much to me that helped me understand just where my dog was and what he needed moving forward. Definitely will be using this company again!— THIS OR THAT!!!!!
Posted July 22nd 2024
Clayton is such a nice and talented man!! Learned so much from our session and will recommend to all my friends!— jasmin baadsgaard
Posted July 19th 2024
It was great! They're awesome and responsive, will answer any of your questions and concerns. Definitely reach out to them for proper training and their knowledge trainers. 😊— Victoria Cruz
Posted July 16th 2024
Our experience with Jon was terrific. Our Australian Shepherd is now a well trained young dog, the addition of the E collar was genius. We are extremely pleased and we recommend John highly— Jan Gordon
Posted July 13th 2024
This company is great! I saw improvement in my puppy after just the first training session. I cant wait to continue with her training and learn more.— Alexis Sanford
Posted July 11th 2024
I really enjoyed the training and was very impressed with Clayton’s knowledge on dog training— Brittany Jacobs
Posted July 11th 2024
My session with trainer was great!! He was very helpful and my puppy is acting good when walking now. Thank you!— 뷘
Posted July 10th 2024
I can not recommend the trainers and staff at Dog Trainer Elite LA enough!! Clayton showed up promptly at our scheduling session. I was a bit nervous with my dog being selectively reactive to random people and animals. I was unsure how my boy Rey, a staffordshire bull terrier, would react to a visitor. As we don't get very many at all. Of course he barked and sized up the trainer, Clayton, inside our home. I made sure I was vigilant to any signs of aggression. He's so good and obedient with me inside the house. So lovable and cuddly. However, another story when we go outside. I know that it falls under the owner, pack leader, and not so much the animal. I've been working on my communication to best of my ability with my dog. However, the strong pull I could not efficiently master with him. Within minutes, Clayton had him calm and striding close by his side in heel position. We even walked past a usual spot where my dog always nervously reacts to the dogs behind the fence. Clayton effectively controlled the situation and implemented some techniques. Such a difference. I was shocked and overjoyed! As we walked around the block, I then took on the leash and implemented Clayton's instructions. My Rey didn't pull or react like he normally would. I'm so thrilled and overjoyed with Clayton's patience and effective technique. Everything else with my boy is fine. I really appreciate Dog Training Elite LA. I highly recommend them. I will definitely be calling them for advanced obedience in the future. Look at them in action! 🐕🦺🧍🏻♂️— Anthony A. González
Posted July 8th 2024
Clayton was an awesome trainer, such a big help, educated me well on how to execute things I need to with my Nova. I appreciate him so much. I feel more confident— Taylor Thomas
Posted July 6th 2024
We’ve been working with trainer Clayton, he’s been so amazing, patient, & kind helping us with our 2year old American bully Ziggy. Ziggys getting better and more well behaved with every session. Thank you Clayton ❤️— Julianne Lantz
Posted July 3rd 2024
If you're struggling with leash-pulling, look no further. Dog Training Elite doesn't just train dogs, they educate owners! I spoke on the phone with the owner Jon, to learn a bit about the services they offered and was able to schedule an in-home session the following week. Clayton was the trainer that came to our home and our dog went from a pulling machine to a perfect walking companion in a single session. He also empowered us with the knowledge and skills to continue the training journey. We appreciate this personalized approach and commitment to our dog's long-term success.Thank you Jon, Clayton, and Dog Training Elite!— Cindy Q
Posted May 15th 2024
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.
