How to Stop a Bernedoodle Puppy from Biting

by Jill Verduin | Mar 24, 2023 | Bernedoodle, Blog Post | 0 comments

Congratulations on your new Bernedoodle puppy! Bernedoodles are intelligent, affectionate, and active dogs that make wonderful family pets. However, like all puppies, Bernedoodles have a natural inclination to nip, chew, and bite. While this behavior is normal for puppies, it can be frustrating and even painful for their human companions.We’ll be exploring why Bernedoodle puppies bite and provide several effective methods to help stop this behavior. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can teach your Bernedoodle puppy to curb their biting habits and become a well-behaved companion.

Why Bernedoodle Puppies Bite

Puppies, including Bernedoodles, explore the world through their mouths. They use their teeth to investigate objects, play, and even communicate. When they’re playing with littermates, biting and mouthing is part of their normal social interaction. However, when puppies are adopted into a new home, they may continue to bite and chew on inappropriate objects or people.

Some common reasons why Bernedoodle puppies bite include:

Teething: Just like human babies, puppies go through a teething phase where their adult teeth are growing in. Chewing on objects and even people can help relieve the discomfort of teething.
Attention-seeking: Puppies crave attention and may bite or nip to get their owner’s attention.
Boredom or lack of exercise: Puppies have a lot of energy and need plenty of exercise and playtime. If they’re not getting enough stimulation, they may resort to biting and chewing on inappropriate objects or people.
Fear or anxiety: Puppies may also bite when they feel scared or anxious, such as when meeting new people or animals.

Understanding why your Bernedoodle puppy is biting is the first step in teaching them to stop this behavior.

Methods on How to Get a Puppy to Stop Biting

Fortunately, there are several effective methods to help stop your Bernedoodle puppy from biting. It’s important to use positive reinforcement techniques and be consistent in your training. Here are some methods to try:

Exercise

One of the most important things you can do to help stop your Bernedoodle puppy from biting is to provide plenty of exercise and playtime. Puppies have a lot of energy and need to burn it off through play and activity. Take your puppy for walks, play fetch, or engage in other types of physical activity. This will help your puppy expend their energy and reduce the likelihood of biting behavior.

Yelping

When your bernedoodle puppy bites or nips at you, it’s important to let them know that their behavior is not acceptable. One way to do this is to yelp or make a high-pitched noise, similar to what another puppy would do if they were bitten too hard during play. This will startle your puppy and let them know that their behavior is not appropriate. After yelping, immediately stop interacting with your puppy and walk away for a few minutes. This will help your puppy learn that biting results in the end of playtime and attention.

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Use Word Association

Teaching your goldendoodle puppy a specific word or phrase associated with potty time can help reinforce the behavior you want. Choose a command, such as “go potty” or “do your business,” and use it consistently every time you take your puppy outside to eliminate. With repetition, your goldendoodle will learn to associate the command with the action, making potty training more effective.

Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is key to successful potty training. Whenever your goldendoodle puppy goes potty in the designated spot, reward them with praise, petting, or a small treat. This will help them understand that they’ve done something good and motivate them to continue the desired behavior.

Pick a Specific Potty Spot

Choose a specific spot in your yard or near your home where you’d like your goldendoodle puppy to go potty. Always take your puppy to this spot during potty breaks, and reward them when they successfully eliminate there. Over time, your puppy will learn to associate this spot with going potty and will be more likely to use it consistently.

Expect Messes and Clean Them Up Properly

Accidents are bound to happen during the potty training process, so it’s important to be prepared and patient. When an accident occurs, clean it up promptly with an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for pet messes. This will help eliminate any lingering odors that might encourage your goldendoodle puppy to eliminate in the same spot again. Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners, as they can actually mimic the smell of urine and confuse your puppy.

Remember not to scold or punish your goldendoodle puppy for accidents, as this can create fear and anxiety, making potty training more difficult. Instead, focus on reinforcing positive behavior and setting your puppy up for success by sticking to a consistent schedule and closely monitoring them for signs that they need to go potty.

Start Your Goldendoodle Potty Training Today

Potty training your goldendoodle puppy takes time, patience, and consistency, but with these tips and a positive attitude, you’ll be well on your way to a fully potty-trained pup. Begin by establishing a consistent feeding schedule, keeping your puppy close by, and expecting lots of potty breaks. Use crate training, word association, and positive reinforcement to help your goldendoodle understand what you expect from them. Remember to pick a specific potty spot and be prepared to clean up any messes that occur along the way.

By following these steps, you’ll be setting your goldendoodle puppy up for potty training success and building a strong foundation for a happy, well-adjusted adult dog. So, start your goldendoodle potty training journey today and enjoy the many adventures ahead with your furry friend!