Bulldog puppies are cute and cuddly, friendly and playful. Sometimes they nip or bite, and at that age it can seem like play. However, this bad habit should be stopped immediately. In reality, it is your puppy’s very natural way of seeking dominance. Biting that seems playful now may lead to dominance and aggression issues later, and it won’t s seem like play if your mature dog bites you or someone else.
Puppyhood is the time when most dogs learn that biting is not a good idea. They bite a litter mate and get bit in return. Nip their mother and they get a lesson not soon forgot. These are good socialization experiences. When you take your Bulldog puppy out of the litter at 8-10 weeks it may already be over the biting stage. If biting begins again due to the stress of a new environment act quickly and calmly to eliminate it.
Never remove a dog from its litter prior to 8 weeks. Sometimes this is unavoidable. If you have a dog that is younger than 8 weeks expect then you’ll have to finish training it not to bite.
To begin with, assert your authority over the dog in a firm and encouraging way. Be strong but not mean or loud. Hitting, yelling or worse will only frighten or anger your Bulldog and increase aggressive or passive-aggressive behavior.
Do not tolerate biting, and do not unwittingly encourage it. This means that games that simulate aggression and the battle in the pack for dominance should be avoided. Don’t involve the dog in tug of war, play fighting and other rough games. If it does nip or bite, a stern word should be sufficient. Most dogs that bite as adults were poorly trained as puppies. That means that your job as the leader/trainer is vital. It requires persistence, patience and consistency. Be firm with your puppy and you’ll enjoy a well-behaved, content adult Bulldog.
A quality obedience or socialization class will be good for you and your puppy. Learn from the instructor how to eliminate biting. One method is to simulate the behavior of a mother dog when a puppy bites. This may involve whimpering and perhaps a light pinch on the puppy’s neck or flank. This type of socialization is vital for the puppy’s education and should be reinforced at home.
Your young Bulldog will also learn to get along with other dogs during these classes. Some owners who meet in class schedule doggy play dates at the park to continue the process of socialization for their puppies and to share dog-raising tips and ideas.
It is a good idea to redirect the dog’s biting tendencies to a toy or bone. However, make sure that your puppy knows you are the leader and that biting out of anger, frustration or an attempt to dominate isn’t acceptable. Through reward and appropriate punishment your dog will learn and mature mentally as it grows physically.
If you are committed to training your Bulldog puppy not to bite, by 10-12 weeks at the latest, even if it was separated from its litter prior to 8 weeks, it should have the lesson learned. This paves the way for your dog being a well-behaved, fully adjusted and valuable part of your household in the years to come. Unacceptable aggressive behavior will be a thing of the past.
Jill B