As a new cane corso owner, it can be extremely frustrating and concerning when your puppy begins to bite you. It may seem like your adorable little furball has suddenly turned into a wild animal, but don’t worry, this behavior is entirely normal for cane corso puppies.
So, why does your cane corso puppy bite you? Let’s take a closer look at the reasons behind this common behavior.
Table of Contents
1. Teething
One of the most common reasons that cane corso puppies bite is due to teething. Just like human babies, puppies go through a teething phase where their baby teeth fall out, and their adult teeth start to come in.
During this time, your puppy’s gums can be very sore and uncomfortable, and they may turn to biting to alleviate the pain they’re feeling. It’s important to provide your puppy with plenty of chew toys during this phase to encourage them to chew on appropriate items rather than your hands or feet.
2. Playfulness
Another reason that cane corso puppies bite is simply because they are playful. Puppies are full of energy and love to play, and for many of them, biting is just a part of that playfulness.
While it may be cute and harmless when your puppy is small, this behavior can quickly turn into a problem when they start to grow and their bites become harder. It’s important to begin training your puppy early on to discourage this behavior and teach them appropriate playtime behavior.
3. Attention-Seeking
Cane corso puppies are very social animals, and they crave attention and affection from their owners. If your puppy is biting you, it may be because they are seeking attention from you.
While it’s important to give your puppy plenty of love and attention, it’s also essential to teach them that biting is not an appropriate way to get your attention. Positive reinforcement training is an excellent way to teach your puppy alternative behaviors that will still earn them the attention they crave.
4. Fear or Aggression
In some cases, cane corso puppies may bite out of fear or aggression. If your puppy seems to be lashing out and biting you without any provocation, it’s essential to seek the help of a professional trainer or behaviorist.
They can help you identify the underlying cause of your puppy’s aggression and work with you to develop a plan to address it. Aggression in puppies should never be ignored, as it will only worsen as they grow and become more powerful.
What can you do to stop your cane corso puppy from biting?
Now that you understand why your cane corso puppy is biting you let’s look at some ways to discourage this behavior and promote appropriate interactions between you and your puppy.
1. Provide Appropriate Toys for Teething
As we mentioned earlier, teething is one of the most common reasons that cane corso puppies bite. Providing appropriate chew toys can help redirect your puppy’s biting behavior away from your hands or feet.
Choose durable, non-toxic toys that your puppy can safely chew on, and make sure to switch them out frequently to keep your puppy engaged.
2. Reward Positive Behavior
Positive reinforcement training is an excellent way to teach your puppy alternative behaviors that will earn them rewards and attention. When your puppy engages in appropriate playtime behaviors, such as playing with toys rather than biting you, make sure to reward them with treats and praise.
Over time, your puppy will learn that biting is not an appropriate way to get attention, and will instead turn to appropriate playtime activities.
3. Use a Firm Voice
When your cane corso puppy is biting you, it’s essential to use a firm voice to discourage this behavior. Say “no” or “stop” in a firm, but not aggressive tone, and immediately redirect your puppy’s attention to an appropriate activity.
Consistency is key when it comes to this type of training, so make sure to repeat the same command consistently every time your puppy begins to bite.
4. Socialize Your Puppy
Socializing your cane corso puppy is critical to preventing fear and aggression-based biting. Introduce your puppy to other dogs and people in a safe and controlled environment, and make sure to reward positive interactions with treats and praise.
The more your puppy is exposed to different people and situations, the more confident they will become, and the less likely they will be to resort to biting.
5. Seek Professional Help
If your cane corso puppy’s biting behavior seems to be rooted in fear or aggression, it’s important to seek the help of a professional trainer or behaviorist. They can work with you to develop a customized training plan for your puppy and provide additional resources and support.
Conclusion
While it can be frustrating and concerning when your cane corso puppy bites you, it’s essential to understand that this behavior is entirely normal for puppies. With patience, consistency, and appropriate training, you can redirect your puppy’s attention away from biting and promote appropriate playtime activities.
Remember, if your puppy’s biting behavior seems to be rooted in fear or aggression, it’s crucial to seek the help of a professional to address the underlying cause and develop a plan to address it.
