Though many of us Labrador Retrievers grow up to have gentle, affectionate temperaments, there are sometimes Labradors that develop the behavioral problem of biting. This is natural behavior for puppies, though can become worrisome if it continues into adulthood. If you help us to understand that biting is bad behavior at an early age, us Labradors are much more likely to not develop problematic biting when we reach our adult size. Anti-biting training should be started as soon as possible, ideally when we're still in the puppy stage.
Harmful Biting
This is the type of biting that can present significant problems for a dog owner, as well as your relationship with your dog. This type of biting is meant to induce pain, and usually occurs when your dog becomes afraid of something, or feels threatened. This is the type of biting that may cause your dog to attack a stranger, or be aggressive towards a strange dog. This is not usually common with Labrador Retrievers, since they have a naturally gentle temperament. However, some Labradors that came from abusive homes, or were neglected, may be conditioned to partake in fear-induced biting.
The most common cause of harmful or fear-induced biting is a lack of a proper socialization program. The majority of aggressive biting is caused by fear, as your dog is trying to protect themselves from something that makes them feel threatened. Good socialization involves exposing your Labrador Retriever to as many situations and events as you possibly can, while reinforcing that this is a positive experience for them. This is also a great way to earn your Labrador Retriever's trust, as you are establishing that you are comfortable with these events, and since they are not harmful, your dog doesn't have to be afraid of them.
A dog that is not properly socialized may constantly be afraid of things such as umbrellas, people in hats, loud noises, strange dogs, or unfamiliar people in your home. Since this will cause them to experience fear, your dog may act to protect themselves by biting or displaying aggressive behavior. It's your responsibility, as your dog's owner and teacher, to help your dog to be comfortable with experiencing the world without being afraid.
Non-Harmful Biting
This is type of biting is also called "play biting". This is very common in puppies, since puppies tend to bite while wrestling with their litter-mates. These bites are not meant to be harmful, and are meant only as a sign of playfulness or affection. Puppies in the wild eventually learn not to bite their litter-mates, since eventually they make the connection that being bitten induces a pain response. However, most domestic puppies are usually adopted before this learning process is complete, and may need additional training from their owners.
Another kind of non-harmful biting is usually seen in puppies that are about four months of age. At this time, your puppy will begin to develop their adult teeth. Teething is a very important process for your puppy, though it also provides them with a significant amount of discomfort until all of their adult teeth have erupted. To help with the pain, many puppies will attempt to chew on anything they can, as having an object in their mouth will help distract them from the pain of developing teeth. This is completely normal, and you can help your puppy get through this stage by always having enough chew-toys available. Try to find toys of different textures and materials, until you find one that your puppy prefers. Toys can help your puppy refrain from biting furniture or other people during teething.
Another type of non-harmful biting is actually your Labrador's way of showing you affection. Gentle "mouthing" of the hands, or light pressure of their teeth on your skin can be your Labrador's way of showing you that they respect you as a dominant pack member. This display of affection is instinctual for dogs in the wild, and may be exhibited by your dog when they begin to reach adulthood. To help your dog understand that this is negative behavior, there are many training tactics that you can use.
How to Stop Your Dog From Biting
One of the most effective methods for discouraging biting is called the "Yelp and Shun" training tactic. This tactic helps to trigger an instinctual response in your dog, as this is also part of how your dog would learn not to bite in the wild. The best way to execute this method is to immediately "yelp" as loud as possible as soon as your dog bites you. This is very similar to how puppies learn not to bite each other, and also how they make the connection of biting with a pain response. After you have "yelped", turn away from your dog, completely ignoring them. Even if your dog whines or seems unhappy, do not interact with your dog. If this is done enough times, your dog will begin to understand that biting is negative behavior.
Another good way to reinforce that "not-biting" is good behavior for your dog is to reward them when they are able to engage in playtime without biting. If your dog bites, stop playing, and completely ignore them. If your dog is able to play without biting, it's important that you praise them, and give them a treat reward. This will help us dogs to understand that "safe" playtime means that we get rewarded!
Sometimes, due to our interactive nature, it may be necessary to provide a "distraction" to your dog when they are about to bite. Try carrying a yummy-smelling treat in your pocket, and immediately take it out when your dog seems about to bite. This will capture our attention, and immediately become much more interesting than chewing on your arm!
Above all, try to be patient with your dog. We Labradors only want to please you, though it may take us a few training sessions to fully understand that biting is bad behavior.