Whippets are elegant, affectionate, and known for their incredible speed. However, every Whippet owner understands that during their puppy phase, these gentle greyhounds can turn into little biting machines. If you’re struggling with this behavior in your Whippet Puppy, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s explore effective ways to teach your Whippet Puppy the art of gentleness.
1. Why Does My Whippet Puppy Bite?
To tackle biting in a Whippet Puppy, one must first understand the reasons:
- Teething: Your Whippet Puppy’s gums can be sore and itching as their new teeth come in. Biting can be a way for them to relieve this discomfort.
- Play and Exploration: For a Whippet Puppy, biting can be a form of playing and exploring the world around them. Remember, they don’t have hands, so they use their mouths!
- Attention Seeking: Sometimes, your Whippet Puppy may bite just to get your attention. This could be their way of saying they want to play or that they’re bored.
2. Bite Inhibition: Teaching Soft Mouth
Bite inhibition refers to teaching your Whippet Puppy to control the force of its bite. This is crucial training for any dog:
- If your Whippet Puppy bites too hard while playing, give a sharp yelp and stop the play. This helps them associate hard biting with the end of fun.
- Always reward your Whippet Puppy when they lick or use a softer mouth. Positive reinforcement works wonders.
3. Toys, Toys, and More Toys
Provide a variety of chew toys for your Whippet Puppy. They not only serve as a distraction but also help in easing teething pains:
- Always rotate the toys to keep the interest of your Whippet Puppy alive. If they’re bored with their toys, they might turn to your hands or furniture!
4. Socialization is Key
Socializing your Whippet Puppy can significantly reduce biting behavior:
- Arrange playdates with other vaccinated puppies. Playing with peers can teach your Whippet Puppy bite inhibition naturally since other puppies will yelp or stop playing if bitten too hard.
- Expose your Whippet Puppy to various environments and people, making them well-adjusted and less likely to bite out of fear or nervousness.
5. Consistency in Training
Consistency is the name of the game when it comes to training a Whippet Puppy:
- Ensure that all family members are on the same page regarding the rules. If one person allows biting and another doesn’t, it can confuse your Whippet Puppy.
6. Positive Reinforcement
Rewarding good behavior is more effective than punishing bad behavior:
- Whenever your Whippet Puppy behaves well or responds to a ‘no bite’ command, offer treats, praises, or playtime.
- Avoid physical punishment. It doesn’t teach the Whippet Puppy not to bite but can instead instill fear or aggression.
7. Time-Outs Can Be Effective
If the biting gets too intense, it might be time for a brief time-out:
- Place your Whippet Puppy in a puppy-proofed room or playpen for a few minutes, giving them time to calm down.
- Time-outs aren’t about punishment but providing a chance for your Whippet Puppy to reset.
8. Training Classes for Your Whippet Puppy
Puppy training classes can be a great way to tackle biting and other behaviors:
- These classes offer a structured environment where your Whippet Puppy can learn essential commands and manners.
- Being around other puppies and trainers can also improve the social skills of your Whippet Puppy.
9. Understand the Body Language
Learning to read your Whippet Puppy’s body language can prevent many biting incidents:
- If you notice your Whippet Puppy becoming overly excited or agitated, it’s time to intervene with a distraction or a short break.
10. Seek Professional Help If Needed
If you feel overwhelmed by your Whippet Puppy’s biting behavior, don’t hesitate to consult a professional dog trainer. They can provide specialized strategies tailored for your Whippet Puppy.
An Online Dog Training Course Can Help Your Whippet to Stop Biting
Our 2 favorite online courses are:
1. SpiritDog’s “Perfect Obedience” Course
The Perfect Dog Obedience Bundle is an online dog training program designed to help dog owners achieve well-behaved pets. The comprehensive course covers basic obedience, biting, loose leash walking, and includes bonus mini-courses on training habits and rewards, stopping jumping, and separation anxiety solutions. With lifetime access to expert trainers for personalized feedback and a 60-day money-back guarantee, this course aims to provide effective, accessible training for a variety of dog behavior issues.
2. K9 Training Institute’s “Dog Masterclass”
More than just an obedience course, this more comprehensive training course tackles any behavior problem you might face with your dog.
Conclusion
Raising a Whippet Puppy is a joyous journey, and while biting can be a challenging phase, with patience and consistent training, it’s manageable. The bond you forge now through positive training methods will ensure a harmonious relationship with your Whippet for years to come. Remember, every Whippet Puppy is unique. Adapt and evolve your training techniques to suit your Whippet Puppy’s individual temperament and needs.
