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Piranha Puppies – Keeping Biting & Mouthing Under Control

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Piranha Puppies – Keeping Biting & Mouthing Under Control
Posted on October 9, 2013 in News, Tips & Advice
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It’s normal for a puppy to use her mouth during play and social interaction, but it’s certainly no fun having those sharp teeth embedded in your ankle or arm. It’s important to teach your puppy how to use her mouth in an acceptable manner. Strategies for controlling the little piranha include encouraging acceptable play, providing sufficient stimulation to meet her needs, teaching her basic commands such as “sit” and “down,” and ignoring or interrupting undesirable biting behavior.

When play biting becomes too intense or persists into adulthood, seek the advice of a behavior specialist so you can determine the best courts of action.

Don’t Make Things Worse

Do not encourage your puppy’s pesky behavior. Don’t get you pup all fired up with rough play, teasing, or a game of tug-of-war if these lead to biting. Avoid games that encourage your puppy to attack any part of your body, and don’t wear gloves during play to allow your puppy to bite.

Be careful not to inadvertently reward the behavior. If biting works to get your attention, the behavior will continue. Petting your dog, picking her up, talking to her, or even giving her a mild shove or a light scolding can actually reward biting behavior. Therefore, any hard contact between you puppy’s teeth and the human body should be a signal for you to cease giving any attention to your dog. Immediately stopping play and ignoring your puppy or walking away will teach your puppy that attention and play stop when biting begins. Similarly, do not begin to play if your puppy is displaying “demanding” behaviors such as pawing, jumping up, barking, or mouthing.

When biting begins during play, or if you can anticipate biting, try to change her focus to a toy or some other form of play that does not involve biting. Another option is to use a training command, such as “sit” or “down,” and reward her with a treat or toy if she settles down. A loud “ouch” when your dog bites can also be used to interrupt the behavior and mark the stopping of play. Play should begin again only if biting does not recur.

There will likely be times when your puppy becomes overly aroused and you cannot effectively deal with the problem. In these situations, one option is to immediately leave the room and shut the door (as long as it’s safe to leave your puppy alone) and return only when the puppy is settled. Otherwise take her to her safe area (such as a crate or pen) and give her a feeding or chew toy to keep her (and her mouth) occupied.

Avoid harsh corrections and physical punishment. Never hit or slap your pet, thump her nose, squeeze her lips against her teeth, shake her by the scruff of the neck, roll her onto her back, or force your fingers into her mouth. This kind of correction is likely to make the biting problem worse, ruin the bond with your pet, and lead to more serious problems, such as fear and aggression. On the other hand, some puppies may actually find these harsh corrections to be a big game, which only encourages them to bite an play more toughly.

Channel That Energy

If your puppy is constantly demanding attention by mouthing or biting or is playing too rough, then you will need to provide other ways to keep her brain and body active. Schedule regular play and exercise throughout the day in ways that do not involve mouthing, such as walking and running, playing fetch, chasing a ball, practicing some of her training exercises, or even playing tug games as long as your puppy’s teeth remain on the toy and do not touch your body.

Another way to channel your puppy’s energy is to provide frequent opportunities for playing with other friendly dogs. Giving your puppy dental treats, toys that are designed to be manipulated to release a treat, or those that promote prolonged chewing also provide opportunities to use the mouth and teeth in an acceptable and health way. The more energy the pup uses for these other activities, the less she will use for mouthy biting behavior. Remember the training mantra, “A tired puppy is a good puppy.”

Communicating with Your Puppy

Enroll your pet in puppy socialization and training classes as soon as possible. Teach her a few simple commands so you can communicate with her when she begins to engage in undesirable behaviors. Training sessions combine social time, mental stimulation, and learning new skills, while keeping your puppy focused on behaviors other than play biting.

Teach your puppy what behaviors you expect of her before she gets any rewards. For example, ask her to sit before giving her things she wants, and occasionally command her to stay for a second or two before following you around the home or going through a doorway. Be consistent.

You may want to permit soft mouthing and inhibited bites during play if you have a home in which there are no children or elderly family members who might be at risk. You can teach soft contact by placing your hand in the pet’s mouth when she is very calm and praising her when she mouths softly. However, if she bites with enough pressure that it is uncomfortable for you, say “ouch” and stop the play.

Training Aids

A dragline can be a helpful tool for managing your pup’s biting behavior. Attach a long line (ten feet indoors and twenty feet or longer outdoors) to your pet’s collar so you can quickly grab the line when you need to stop the biting. Be sure that the pet is closely supervised when she is wearing a dragline. With a gentle pull on the leash you can immediately stop mouthing and biting. Release tension as soon as the dog settles down. If the puppy will not focus, gets easily distracted, or uses her mouth excessively, more effective control of the head and muzzle can be achieved by using the dragline with a head halter. Head halters can give all family members, even young children, a considerable amount of control over the pet.

Enough is Enough: Using a “Stop” Command
If biting begins during play, it is important that the pet learn to stop on command. This can be done by giving an “enough” command when she is biting. Begin training when the pet is very calm. Hand the puppy a small piece of dry food as you say “okay” in a relaxed tone. Next, hold another piece of food in front of her and firmly say “enough” without raising your voice or yelling. If the puppy doesn’t attempt to make contact with your hand or the food for two seconds, say “okay” and give her the food. IF she touches you hand before two seconds pass and before you say “okay,” immediately say “enough” with sufficient force to make her back away but not frighten her. Be dramatic, lean toward the pup, and make eye contact when you give the instructive reprimand. Gradually increase the time the puppy has to wait. Once she learns to leave the food alone on command, practice the exercise without food by using only your hand. Later, repeat the exercise when the puppy is more keyed up

The goal is to get to the point that the puppy will not take food or touch your hand once you have said “enough,” no matter how tasty the treat or how interesting your hand. For this technique to work, the whole family must be very consistent, have precise timing, and practice every day. If necessary, a leash and head halter can be used to teach the “enough” command. Whenever the puppy ignores the command to stop biting, a gentle pull on the leash will closer her mouth. Eventually the puppy will stop biting when you give the command.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We offer behavioral training for your pet.

Info courtesy of the Pet Behavior Brochure Series from the AAHA Press.

 

          
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You assessed your cat's body condition score (BCS) to be to be 3 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of your cat’s general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 3 indicates that your cat is thin.

What to do next: While thin cats are generally at lower risk for serious health issues compared to overweight cats, being underweight can lead to decreased muscle mass, malnutrition, and a weakened immune system. Unless there is an underlying reason for your cat’s thinness, the situation can often be improved with simple lifestyle adjustments, such as:

  • Offering a palatable diet recommended by your veterinarian
  • Feeding small, frequent meals
  • Stimulating the appetite by warming the food or introducing toppers
  • Minimizing stress
  • Weighing your cat monthly
  • Re-checking your cat's BCS at home
  • Staying alert to other health changes (especially continued weight loss and appetite loss)

Your cat's BCS provides valuable insights into their overall health and helps us spot potential issues early. While a BCS of 3 isn’t an immediate cause for concern, it’s a sign that small adjustments to their feeding and care routine could have a positive impact on their health.

Questions? We can help. Let’s work together to score a win for your cat's health.

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What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of your cat’s general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 6 indicates that your cat is borderline overweight.

What to do next: Simple daily actions can help prevent your cat from becoming overweight. Even a few extra ounces or pounds can significantly impact their health, increasing the risk of serious conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and kidney disease.

Restore your cat's future health by:

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  • Reducing stress by minimizing household changes and maintaining a routine
  • Decreasing boredom with interactive toys, social interaction, and cat furniture
  • Separating pets during meal time (Consider a microchip-linked feeder for multi-cat households)
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Your cat's BCS is like a warning light for their future health. Taking proactive steps to address your cat’s weight can minimize future complications and help ensure they stay fit, agile, and healthy.

Curious about other ways to improve your cat’s BCS and overall well-being? Get in touch. Let’s work together to score a win for their health.

You assessed your dog's body condition score (BCS) to be to be 4-5 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of general body composition, including muscle and fat. On a scale of 1 to 9, with 1 being very thin and 9 being obese, your dog's score means they are at their ideal weight for optimal health and well-being!

What to do next: First, give your dog a scratch behind the ears to celebrate your success! Your commitment to their preventive health—regular vet visits, balanced nutrition, and consistent exercise—is truly paying off. But don’t relax just yet—maintaining a healthy BCS takes ongoing effort throughout your dog's life, including:

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  • Staying active with regular exercise
  • Re-checking your pet’s BCS monthly at home
  • Staying on top of routine care (exams, screening tests) to ensure early detection of health changes

Just like your dog's vital signs, their BCS gives valuable insight into their overall health. Right now, we like what we see—and feel! But remember, supporting your dog's lifelong health is a team effort. By continuing the great work you’re doing and partnering with us, we can help ensure they stay healthy for years to come.

You assessed your cat's body condition score (BCS) to be to be 7-8 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of your cat’s general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 7-8 indicates that your cat is overweight.

What to do next: Weight issues are a common cause of many feline health problems, some of which can shorten a cat's life. Fortunately, with your dedication and our support, your cat can achieve better health, mobility, and an ideal body weight.

Rather than asking your cat to participate in daily exercise, feline weight loss emphasizes targeted nutrition and stress reduction to help them shed those unwanted pounds. This entails:

  • Offering a palatable weight-management diet recommended by your veterinarian
  • Feeding portioned meals (Your veterinarian can assist you with how much to feed)
  • Using a microchip-linked feeder for multi-cat households to ensure each cat consumes their veterinarian-recommended portion
  • Minimizing stress by maintaining a stable routine
  • Decreasing boredom through positive interactions such as interactive toys, food puzzles, cat-friendly furniture, and social bonding
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  • Weighing them monthly
  • Re-checking their BCS at home

Overweight cats not only face long-term health risks but can also suffer from discomfort and emotional stress. Intentional, veterinary-supervised changes can help ensure your cat’s fitness, comfort, and overall well-being for years to come. Let’s work together to score a win for your cat's health.

You assessed your dog's body condition score (BCS) to be to be 3 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 3 indicates that your dog is thin.

What to do next: Although a lean body condition is healthier than being overweight, thinness can indicate muscle loss, health changes, or a lack of appropriate nutrition. Here are a few ways to help your dog reach their optimal weight and health:

  • Follow any recommendations given by your vet (these are personalized for your dog's unique needs)
  • Gradually transition your dog to a calorie-dense diet
  • Weigh them monthly
  • Re-check their BCS at home
  • Provide regular moderate exercise to build healthy muscle
  • Monitor them for other health changes (appetite loss, vomiting, unusual stools, fatigue, etc.)

Just like your dog's vital signs, their BCS gives valuable insight into their overall health and can help identify potential issues early. While a BCS of 3 isn't a serious concern, it suggests that your dog may benefit from adjustments to their diet and exercise routine. Please continue to monitor your dog for any other health changes—including difficulty gaining weight—as these could indicate the need for further evaluation. Let’s work together to help your dog achieve better health, so you can make the most of every moment together.

Now that’s a perfect score.

You assessed your dog's body condition score (BCS) to be to be 9 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 9 indicates that your dog is obese (weighing 20% or more above their ideal weight).

What to do next: Dogs with obesity are in significant danger of many life-altering health conditions, including arthritis, cardiovascular problems, kidney disease, and cancer. Reducing your dog's weight and improving their body condition is critical to restoring their comfort, mobility, health, and longevity.

Take action today to protect your dog's  health by:

  • Following any veterinarian’s recommendations (these are personalized to your dog's unique needs)
  • Using a measuring cup to portion meals
  • Removing uneaten food after 20 minutes
  • Limiting treats to low-calorie fruits or vegetables
  • Exercising daily for at least 30 minutes (leash walks are a great way to start)
  • Weigh them  monthly
  • Re-check their BCS at home

Just like your dog's vital signs, their BCS gives valuable insight into their overall health. In your dog's case, it’s a signal for immediate action.

By following the steps above and your veterinarian’s recommendations, getting your dog back to a healthy weight is possible, but it will take time and effort. That’s why we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Let’s work together to score a WIN for Sydney’s health.

You assessed your cat's body condition score (BCS) to be 1–2 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of your cat’s general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 1 to 2 indicates that your cat is very thin, at least 20% below their ideal weight. This may be caused by poor nutrition or an underlying illness.

What to do next: Since a BCS of 1 to 2 can indicate potential health concerns, your cat's veterinarian may suggest blood work or other tests.

In addition to following any plan outlined by your cat's veterinarian, the following steps may help them achieve their ideal weight and BCS:

  • Offering a palatable diet recommended by your veterinarian
  • Feeding small, frequent meals
  • Warming the food or introducing toppers
  • Feeding pets separately
  • Minimizing stress
  • Weighing them  monthly
  • Re-checking their BCS at home
  • Watching for other concerning signs, such as loss of appetite, vomiting, or changes in litter box habits, as these may require prompt veterinary care.

Just like your cat's vital signs, their BCS offers important insight into their overall health. While a BCS of 1 to 2 can be concerning, we’ll work together to help your cat safely achieve their optimal weight and vitality.

You assessed your dog's body condition score (BCS) to be to be 6 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 6 indicates that your dog is borderline overweight.

What to do next: With just a few pounds separating your dog from being overweight, a BCS of 6 is a clear call to action! Excess weight can increase their risk for serious health problems, such as arthritis, heart disease, and even cancer, and studies have shown that it can shorten their lifespan.

Here are a few ways to help Gigi reach their ideal weight:

  • Follow any recommendations given by your veterinarian (these are personalized for your dog's unique needs!)
  • Use a measuring cup to portion meals
  • Don’t leave food out all day
  • Weigh them monthly
  • Re-check their BCS at home
  • Provide regular moderate exercise to build healthy muscle

Just like your dog's vital signs, their BCS gives valuable insight into their overall health and and can help identify potential issues early. While a BCS of 6 isn't dangerous, it does raise their risk for many life-altering conditions and signals a need for change.

Let’s work together to help your dog achieve a better BCS and overall wellness, so you can make the most of every moment together.

Now that’s a perfect score!

You assessed your dog's body condition score (BCS) to be to be 7-8 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 7 to 8 indicates that your dog is overweight.

What to do next: Your dog's weight is putting them at an increased risk for many serious conditions, including arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Overweight dogs are also clinically shown to have a shorter lifespan and a reduced quality of life.

Thankfully, it’s not too late to get back on track! Here are some simple steps to help your dog achieve a better BCS and a healthier life:

Here are a few ways to help them reach their ideal weight:

  • Reduce meal portions by 10% to 20%
  • Use a measuring cup for accuracy
  • Switch to a weight management diet
  • Swap treats for low-calorie fruits and veggies
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  • Use a food-dispensing toy instead of a bowl to encourage movement
  • Weigh them monthly
  • Re-check their BCS at home

Just like your dog's vital signs, their BCS gives valuable insight into their overall health and quality of life. The actions you take in the days, weeks, and months ahead can help them slim down, restore their well-being, and allow you both to make the most of every moment together.

Let’s work together to score a WIN for your dog's health and happiness.

Now that’s a perfect score!

You assessed their body condition score (BCS) to be to be 9 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of your cat’s general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 9 indicates that your cat is obese (20% or more over their ideal body weight).

What to do next: Cats with obesity are in a health crisis. Excess weight strains their joints, leading to painful and decreased mobility. In addition, abundant fat tissue increases their risk for life-altering diseases like diabetes, arthritis, kidney disease, heart disease, and cancer.

Let their BCS be a turning point in their health.

With simple lifestyle changes and guided support from our team, we can restore your cat's quality of life and help them lose those unnecessary pounds.

We’ll focus on nutrition and stress reduction to create positive results. This includes:

  • Offering a palatable weight-management diet recommended by your veterinarian
  • Feeding portioned meals (Your veterinarian can assist you with how much to feed)
  • Using a microchip-linked feeder for multi-cat households to ensure each cat consumes their veterinarian-recommended portion
  • Minimizing stress in your cat’s environment
  • Decreasing boredom through positive interactions (interactive toys, food puzzles, cat-friendly furniture, and social bonding)
  • Encouraging healthy movement and exploration (motion-activated toys, food puzzles, ramps to perches, scratching posts, cat tunnels)
  • Weighing them monthly
  • Re-checking their BCS at home

Your cat’s body condition is a key factor in their health and longevity. Together, we can score a victory by helping them lose weight and reclaim their health, happiness, and mobility.

You assessed your cat's body condition score (BCS) to be 4-5 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of your cat’s general body composition, including muscle and fat. On a scale of 1–9, with 1 being very thin and 9 being obese, this score means they are at their ideal weight for optimal health and well-being!

What to do next: First, give your cat a head bump or a scratch to celebrate your success! Your dedication to their overall health—through regular vet visits, balanced and portion-controlled nutrition, a low-stress environment, and plenty of physical and mental activity—is truly paying off.

But don’t relax just yet—maintaining your cat’s healthy BCS will take ongoing effort throughout their lifetime. Keep up the good work by:

  • Minimizing stress
  • Creating a mentally and physically stimulating environment
  • Satisfying your cat’s social needs with one-on-one time
  • Encouraging movement with interactive toys, perches, and furniture
  • Feeding measured portions of a veterinarian-recommended, high quality, palatable diet
  • Checking your cat’s BCS monthly at home
  • Staying on top of routine veterinary care

Just like your cat's vital signs, their BCS gives us valuable insight into their overall health. Right now, we like what we see—and feel! But remember, supporting your cat's lifelong health is a team effort. By continuing the great work you’re doing and partnering with us, we can help ensure they stay healthy for years to come.

You assessed your dog's body condition score (BCS) to be 1–2 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 1 to 2 indicates that your dog is very thin, at least 20% below their ideal weight. This may be caused by poor nutrition or an underlying illness.

What to do next: Since a BCS of 1 to 2 can indicate potential health concerns, your dog's veterinarian may suggest  blood work or other tests.

If no issues are found, the following steps may help your dog achieve their ideal weight and BCS:

  • Gradually transitioning them to a calorie-dense diet
  • Feeding more frequent meals
  • Weighing them monthly
  • Re-checking their BCS at home
  • Providing regular moderate exercise to build healthy muscle
  • Monitoring them for other health changes (appetite loss, vomiting, unusual stools, fatigue, etc.)

Just like your dog's vital signs, their BCS offers important insight into their overall health and can serve as an early warning that something may be wrong. While a BCS of 1 to 2 can be concerning, please know that your pet's well-being is our top priority. Let’s work together to help your pet pal achieve better health, so you can make the most of every moment together.