How to Train Your Corgi Puppy Not To Bite

Corgi puppies are without a doubt one of the cutest creatures on the plant. Their potato shaped bodies, stumpy legs and floppy ears make them irresistible… until they start biting you.

I just recently got out of that puppy stage with Willo and can stay it was so frustrating, and it was a relief to see her start losing those sharp puppy teeth. I found myself doing a ton of research to find the best ways to train your corgi puppy not to bite, and I came across a few ways that seemed to work! While biting in puppies is both part of their learning and some teething relief, I wanted to share a few good ways to train them not to bite skin that may be helpful for the frustrated puppy owners out there.

Yelp when they bite you

Puppies have so much learning to do, and one of the most important things they need to learn is how hard to bite when they’re playing. This is called bite inhibition, which refers to a dog’s ability to control the force of his or her mouthing. Since puppies can’t be socialized with other puppies until they have all of their shots, It’s up to you to be their testing grounds.

When you’re playing with your puppy, let them mouth your hands. When they bite too hard, give out a yelp that you might hear from another puppy in pain, and let your hand go limp. I know it feels weird to do, but your puppy should instantly stop biting you. This teaches your pup that if they bite too hard, the fun stops. It might take a few hards bites to your skin, but it will teach your pup sooner to stop biting so hard.

Poke the inside of their mouth

Another trick that might work is taking your finger and curling it into the top or side of their mouth. When your puppy bites you, and has a finger in their mouth, curl your finger and apply some pressure with your nail into the roof of their mouth. Not too hard to hurt them but enough to make them stop and realize that doesn’t feel good.

The hope for this method is to teach them not to bite you because it hurts. I taught Willo this and she hasn’t bit down on my hands since.

Substitute toys with your skin

When all else fails, the best method to avoid puppy bites is to have other toys on hand at all times. You can buy puppy teething toys that are great for chewing and give them something to do. I used to lather Willo’s chewy bone with peanut butter, put it in the freezer for a few hours, and then gave it to hear as a treat and a distraction.

Ropes and balls are also great distractions for biting, and will also tire them out and wear down some of their puppy energy.

Be patient

When all else fails, just remember that this stage will end! Around 5 or 6 months puppies begin to lose those sharp teeth and they just grow out of biting. It may feel like they’ll never grow up (it did for me) but they do. Soon you might even miss those sharp teeth and that puppy breath. Just be patient, give them lots of toys and put them in time out if you need to! Eventually they will learn that biting isn’t okay, and their teeth won’t be as sharp either.

If your puppy is becoming aggressive or you need behavioral help in another area, check out this article on finding professional behavioral help.