The holidays are a magical time, and many families welcomed a new puppy into their homes this Christmas. But with all that joy often comes a challenge—puppies love to explore the world with their mouths! If you’ve found yourself with a “mouthy” pup, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and I want to share my personal journey and some tips to help you train your new furry friend.
A Little About Me
I’m not a professional trainer—I don’t have certifications or formal plaque on my wall. What I do have is over 40 years of experience living with dogs, including raising puppies for over 18 years. Among those pups were three pit bull mixes, breeds known for their strength and energy. When Chelsy, my first pitty mix, was a puppy, I struggled to find quality toys that could handle her needs and strength. That frustration led to the creation of my business and the development of toys designed for interactive play and durability.
My Method for Training Mouthy Puppies
When raising puppies, especially mouthy ones, I discovered a simple yet effective technique that worked for me:
-
Redirect the Mouth
Every time a puppy approached me with their mouth open (ready to nip, chew, or explore), I’d immediately redirect them by placing a toy in their mouth. -
Introduce a Command
I paired this action with the command, “Get your toy,” while pointing to a toy nearby. Over time, the puppies began to associate the command with the action of picking up a toy. -
Reinforce the Behavior
This training not only redirected their natural mouthing behavior but also taught them to bring toys to me as a way to say hello. This turned what could have been an unwanted behavior into an endearing and productive interaction.
Why Train Early?
While it may be adorable when a puppy greets you with a playful nip, the same behavior in an adult dog can be overwhelming or even dangerous. Training your puppy now ensures they grow into a well-mannered adult dog who knows how to interact appropriately.
Tools to Get Started
If you’re ready to start training your puppy, we’ve got you covered! Our Puppy Pack is available for a limited time and includes everything you need to start training today:
- Two medium-to-large tug toys designed by trainers to be gentle on teething gums.
- A snuffle ball for mental enrichment.
- A plushy ReLuvAble toy, perfect for comfort and play.
At just $30 with free shipping, the Puppy Pack is the perfect starter kit for your pup. Plus, it ships within 24 hours, so you can begin training right away.
Stay Connected
We’re here to support you on your puppy-raising journey! Be sure to:
- Follow us on social media for updates and tips.
- Sign up for our newsletter to get exclusive offers and insights straight to your inbox.
- Check back on our blog for more training tips, product releases, and helpful advice.
Let’s work together to raise happy, well-trained pups who bring joy to their families for years to come.
Happy training!
— Lisa (~owner)