How to Stop My Dog From Biting Other Dogs’ Necks
Dogs like to get aggressive sometimes during play, but even that should have limits. So what do you do if your dog is biting other dogs’ necks? Why do dogs bite other dogs’ necks? Could they get hurt like this, and is it a normal behavior that you should let continue, or do you need to stop them right away?
Today, we’re going to answer all of these questions and most importantly, we’ll tell you how to stop it. Soon, you’ll be able to allow your dog to play with other dogs without worrying about what they might do. That will be nice, won’t it? Of course, so let’s not delay any longer and get to our article “How to Stop My Dog From Biting Other Dogs’ Necks.”
How to Stop Dog Biting Other Dogs’ Necks
To stop dog biting other dogs’ necks, immediately try to divert their attention by loudly clapping or giving a “stop” command. If this doesn’t work, attempt to separate the dogs using something like a long broom handle. Do not put your hands near either dogs’ mouth or you may get bitten.
If there is nothing around you can quickly grab to pry the dogs apart, then you should use the wheelbarrow method. Grab your dog by the hind legs and pull them away, then keep the dogs separated even after they’ve both calmed down. Calmly but firmly tell your dog no and end playtime by placing them into time-out or taking them home.
You then need to begin immediately working on correcting your dog’s aggression and refusal of commands, or you run the risk of giving your dog the impression that this type of action is okay. And that could mean that the next attack will be much worse and even more violent.
When your dog is biting other dogs’ necks, being aggressive, and not listening to your commands it is a clear sign of disrespect towards you. Furthermore, they are likely seeing themselves as above you in the family pack. You’ve probably heard before that dogs are pack animals, and that in every pack there is a pack leader.
At the moment, even if your dog does see you in this role — and not themselves — they clearly have no respect for you in it. But once you’ve proven to your dog that you are not just their pack leader — but a capable one which they must obey — your dog will stop biting other dogs’ necks, stop being aggressive, and listen to your commands at all times.
And the great thing is, your dog will do all of this happily!
That’s because pack leader confusion causes your dog all sorts of anxiety, which can show itself in many ways. Your dog getting aggressive and biting another dog’s neck, then refusing your commands to stop would be a definite example.
But once you’ve got all of that sorted out, you’ll no longer have to constantly stress about your dog attacking, and your dog will be freed of all that worry. So you both win. Sounds great, right?
“Yeah, obviously, but how do I do that?”
You should watch an excellent free video series by a renowned trainer named Dan which goes over this exact subject: how to be your dog’s pack leader. In the series, he’ll show you everything you need to know in ways that are very easy to understand and teach to your own dog, and he gets right to the point so that you’ll start seeing these critical changes in your dog incredibly quickly.
Start watching Dan’s free training series now by clicking here. And don’t worry, because this isn’t going to be accomplished through yelling or being mean. Dan uses only 100% humane and loving methods at all times. Not just because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it’s the fastest way — and the only way — to achieve permanent changes in your dog’s behavior.
Why Do Dogs Bite Other Dogs’ Necks?
Dogs bite other dogs’ necks either because of aggression or mutual play. If it’s aggression, you’ll probably have no doubt, but there will also be signs like growling, deep barking, and trying to bite at other areas too while staring with a very focused intent at the other dog.
Mutual play, where the bites are light and not held, can be okay as long as both dogs are enjoying the behavior. To ensure they’re both wanting this to continue, look for clues from both dogs like high-pitched barking, bouncing around, doing play bows towards each other, and wagging their tails.
For obvious reasons, you should always stay on the side of caution if you’re unsure about what’s going on. If you think your dog is biting other dogs’ necks due to aggression, your first course of action should be to separate the pair immediately by distracting them but not physically getting involved. If you get too close, they might bite you and draw blood.
If the dogs don’t immediately respond to commands to stop and there’s nothing on hand you can quickly grab like a broom handle to pry the dogs apart, use what is called the wheelbarrow method. Think of how one pushes around a wheelbarrow, and grab your dog by their hind legs while pulling them away. Remember to not attempt to place your hands near either dog’s mouth.
Once you have the dogs safely apart, keep them that way for the time being even if they normally get along fine. You then need to begin behavioral training immediately. Your dog should never be attacking another dog or refusing your commands to stop.
Brushing your dog biting other dogs’ necks off as a one-time thing, or just “dogs being dogs” will give them the idea that this sort of thing is acceptable. Soon, even at calmer times, your dog will be trying to bite other dogs’ ears, bite other dogs’ tails, or bite other dogs’ legs. And any of these could easily again escalate to more violent actions like attacking and biting another dog’s neck.
Go back to the first section now where we went over how you can stop your dog from biting other dogs’ necks using behavioral training.
Could a Dog Get Hurt If My Dog Bites Their Neck?
A dog could get hurt if your dog bites their neck. The skin and soft tissue can be significantly injured by a dog biting another dog’s neck, even if they do not break the skin.
You should be very careful before allowing your dog to act like this, even if you’re sure they’re just playing.
Is It Normal for Dogs to Bite Other Dogs’ Necks?
It is normal for dogs to bite other dogs’ necks and is usually a sign of play. If you haven’t noticed any signs of aggression and both dogs are participating in the playtime, you can allow it cautiously.
Be ready to give your dog the command to stop though if things seem like they’re getting too rough, or if the other dog stops enjoying things.
I’m sure you’re ready to not have to stress out every time your dog’s around another dog, so I’ll let you get started now. Good luck with everything, and thank you for reading “How to Stop My Dog From Biting Other Dogs’ Necks.”