Our new Lab puppy is terribly

You can train your puppy to stop biting. Puppies are going to bite as they explore their new world, and most of the time, you will get the brunt of his attention. Never hit or slap your puppy when they bite you in play (even when they are scared). The puppy can get very confused and think this is aggressive play like most young animals do in the wild. Remember, your puppy is an animal. One way to train the puppy to stop biting is to refuse to play aggressive games with him, such as chasing, wrestling, even tug of war. I know these games are fun for both you and your puppy, but it can get aggressive and your puppy will not understand what level is OK and what is not OK. Remember, he will also play rough with your guests.

One of the best ways to train your puppy not to bite is to let out a sharp "Ouch!" whenever the puppy tries to bite and then remove your eye contact, and then turn your eyes back to the puppy. Did you know that this is the same method that dogs use with each other? Yup, the dog that was bit lets the other dog know that it hurt and that they are not going to play that way. This method uses a mild negative reinforcement to train your puppy that biting will not get him the attention that he wants. When your puppy calms down and does not try to bite, then is when you should give him attention and praise so that the proper behavior is reinforced.

If your puppy bites down on your hand, you should place your thumb finger inside the mouth under your puppy's tongue and hold onto the bottom of the jaw with the rest of your hand for about ten seconds. The pressure should only be firm enough so that your puppy cannot get away for that amount of time. Your puppy will not be able to bite down and this action will provide the negative reinforcement that the behavior he just did is not acceptable.