Why does my dog bite me when playing?

Most dogs bite while playing because that's how dogs often play with one another. While your dog thinks it's all in good fun, it may pose an annoyance or cause pain for you. The best thing you can do is to train your dog not to bite. When he nips you during play, immediately freeze and try yelping (like another dog would do if injured). Do NOT jerk your hand away, for your dog will think you are still playing. Instead, if he has locked onto your hand, gently push your hand further into his mouth and he should unlock his jaw and you can slowly remove your hand. Once you have done this, you can also try putting him in a "time out" in another room or trying turning your back and ignoring him. The key to each of these strategies is timeliness. You want your dog to learn the effect of his actions, so be sure to correct his behavior immediately after it happens!

While playing with your dog they may get overly excited and not realize they are biting you while playing. Little nibbles can occur while playing but if it becomes more aggressive it can mean your dog is doing it out of frustration. But most of the time they are just thrilled to be playing and don't realize they are biting you because thy are having to much fun!

This is typically a behavior that happens because your dog is excited and engaged in play. If you observe your dog engaged in play with another dog, play biting often occurs. It is a hard behavior to stop when your dog is playing with you because your pup doesn't know any better. Play is play for them. Make sure when teaching your dog that biting is unacceptable during play with you, that you don't hit or scold them. This can cause confusion for your dog as he/she might not know why they are being punished.

You have to decide what mouthy behavior is acceptable. Teach the dog how to bite softly. Again, it's an inate behavior and considered normal for your pup.

If he is not biting down hard - it is just a way he is showing he is playing!