Puppies, especially Pomeranian puppies, naturally play by biting each other. Biting is a common and instinctive behavior. It’s important to understand that scolding a pup for playing in the only way he knows can be confusing. Instead, we can guide them toward more appropriate play behaviors.
I have taught puppies and stray dogs to stop nipping and biting “people” by doing what “mom dogs” and “littermates” do. Next time, he bites or nips you, “yelp” in a loud, high-pitched voice. Usually, the pup will look at you funny, like he doesn’t understand, and then bite you again. This time, you “yelp” louder and in a very high pitch. You could jump back at the same time as if you’re hurt. It would be best if you immediately furnished an appropriate chew toy for him to bite and play with whenever you do this technique. After a half dozen times of this, the pup usually gets the message. But he is still a puppy, and he will “forget.” Next time, he wants to play and bite again (after all, that’s the only way he’s played for his whole life). It will take a week or two until this pup finally “gets it.”
Pomeranian Puppy Biting Guide
Some learn much faster, and others more slowly, but this Pomeranian puppy biting technique has always succeeded me as long as every person is consistent. That means every time the pup bites, “yelp!”. Tell children and visitors to do the same. (Yes, tell them to do the same, and ensure they do it; maybe they’ll learn something in the process). Suppose your puppy or dog reacts in a frightened manner to your yelping. Then try it again in a softer, less frightening manner. You do not want to frighten the dog; only let it know that biting too hard hurts.
As the pup gets older, if he is not 99% reliable not to bite, after you “yelp,” put your hand over his muzzle gently. But firmly (sometimes referred to as a nose-hug) immediately after you yelp and when you say, “No Bite!” Then, immediately give him a chew toy and say, “Good Bite!” You always want to end a lesson taught with praise so your dog will be more willing to learn. This will also teach your dog to get a chew toy when he gets so excited that he must bite something.
Another Option
If these methods fail, you can get up, turn your back to your dog, and walk away whenever he bites or nips you. No reprimand, no emotion; turn your back to your dog immediately after he bites you (the *first* time) and walks away. After about 10 minutes, approach him again. Be sure you praise him when he is biting appropriate things and not you. This will teach your dog that he will only receive the attention he desires if he behaves appropriately.
Outdoor Activities
But if none of these things work? The Pomeranian puppy biting you are experiencing is one of the most challenging solutions I have encountered via the Internet. That is because if the old standby (yelping, no bite, and walking away) doesn’t work. Then, the problem is usually based on a need for more communication. This means the dog does not understand what you are trying to communicate. So it becomes frustrated at your attempts to get it to stop biting and bites more in its frustration. This can make the problem worse.
The first thing to consider is whether your dog gets enough physical and mental stimulation daily. Your puppy or dog should be able to be off-lead (off-leash) and run around quite a bit to expend some energy. Depending on your dog’s age, size, and breed, she may require up to 2 hours per day of vigorous activity. Playing fetch and going for walks only suffice for some dogs. These mindless activities can be done for very long periods without much mental concentration.
Training Your Pomeranian Pup Some Commands
Next, teach your Pomeranian puppy to bite the “Settle” command. Begin training your dog at times when she is already resting so it is easy for her to succeed. You can also teach her an “easy” command by holding a treat within your fist and allowing her to take it gently. When she is forceful, she does not get the treat; as she becomes gentler and more “easy,” she gets the treat.
You will be rewarding her for inhibiting her bite and aggressiveness. This takes many, many repetitions. Suppose your Pomeranian puppy continues biting and nipping and gets consistent attention for it (negative or positive). In that case, she may have already learned that she can get what she wants by using force. You need to change this so that she receives more and better rewards for being “easy,” for “settling,” for “leaving it,” etc.
Three-Step Approach
When you reward Pomeranian puppy biting, use a two and three-step approach. When the good behavior is initiated (she lightens up just a little), give her the verbal reward “Good Girl!”. This is her cue so that she learns precisely what behavior pleases you. After the verbal reward, give her a food treat. (step 2). While she is eating the food treat (or after she inhales it), pat her on the sides for the physical touch (step 3) reward. The food treat (step 2) can and should be omitted periodically.
You need to convince her that it is beneficial and in her best interest to behave the way you want her to. The best method to do this is to set her up to succeed so that she can be praised. Using times when she is more relaxed in the first place, giving her a chew toy to chew on, and praising her for a good “easy” as she leisurely chews on the chew toy may also help.
Attention Into Appreciation
Your focus may be on all your Pomeranian puppy biting and rough-play antics. You may be giving her the most attention during these times. Turn this around so that you give her more (and better) attention when she behaves appropriately. This cannot be easy with puppies and young dogs, and her appropriate behavior may disappear quickly – but you must recognize it and praise it in the instant that it is there.
For example, I have had stray puppies come into the house that have never been in a home before. They run around all the furniture and bounce off the walls. And a Pomeranian puppy biting ran into me and snapped out of pure joy and excitement. If they refuse the chew toy (a soft stuffed animal), I give it to them, and they persist in biting me instead. I give them my calm but firm “uh-uh” (I am not happy with what you are doing). The instant they (or I) put the chew toy in their mouth, I praise “Good Girl,” as I try to pet them, they usually try to bite my hand out of their excitement. So, I say, “Uh-uh” again. If they persist, I turn my back to them. If they climb up on my back, I get up and walk away.
Forget the Rules
When your Pomeranian puppy starts biting or following at your heels, redirecting their attention with a toy can work wonders. By consistently encouraging them to bite appropriate items, like toys, and reinforcing good behavior with praise, your puppy will begin to understand what is expected. This positive reinforcement, repeated patiently over time, helps them learn how to behave correctly. While some puppies may take longer than others to grasp the rules, with persistence and clear communication, they will eventually stop biting and start complying. Remember, training is a two-way process—consider what you’re communicating to your puppy and how they are receiving it. Your Pomeranian will learn to stop biting and become a well-mannered companion with consistent effort.
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