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I have a 9 week old pit bull puppy. He is teething for the first time. I have given him chew toys but if someone goes to pet him he will bit them and try to chew on their hand. It was a cute thing for awhile but it's starting to actually hurt and break skin. How can I train him to stop biting people? Is there anything else I can do besides chew toys that can help him?

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    Please also read this answer on bite inhibition and the link therein. Teaching bite inhibition is probably the most important skill to teach your puppy.
    – ThomasH
    Commented Nov 19, 2015 at 13:39
  • Get some gloves.
    – Jeffrey Blattman
    Commented Apr 2, 2018 at 23:54

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When he nips, shout "ow! no!" a bit louder and sooner than necessary, and if necessary stop playing and walk away. That's how dogs teach each other not to nip, after all -- they growl or bark and don't play with the annoying one until he learns not to be so rough.

"Pit bulls" should be as capable of being gentle/careful as any other dog. But a puppy is a baby; as surrogate parent, it's your job to teach him how to be a Good Dog.

Oh -- and give the pup some good chew-toys.

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    Definitely good points for the 'ow' and toys. If you only ever tell him off for chewing things and don't give him a chew toy, then it's just frustrating for the pup! There's plenty of chew toys designed specifically for teething too. Treat rewards for playing gentle often help too :)
    – Aravona
    Commented Nov 19, 2015 at 15:40

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