Training your dog not to bite is a critical part of any dog training program, as, according to the center for disease control, dogs bite more than 4.7 million people each year, resulting in massive medical bills, law suits and the inevitable outcome of having to put your dog down.

This is an avoidable situation but, as with any dog training issue, how easy or difficult it is to train a dog not to bite will vary with the breed, age and individual temperament of the dog. But there are some common techniques that will usually help stop your dog's biting behavior.

Good, and bad habits are picked up at an early age, so the sooner you can start training your dog not to bite, the better.

After the age of around four to six weeks, Puppies will be able to learn simple commands, so start learning your dog to supress his biting as early as possible.

Just a loud "No" and push him away each time he nips will suffice at the start.

Along with verbal discouragement and gentle physical restraint as young and often as possible, can help develop calm and confident dogs. Fearful and anxious dogs who have not been socialized, are much more prone to biting behavior.

Expose the dog to other dogs. Differences in smells and looks are triggers that can cause dogs to become wary. Introducing them to a variety of other dogs and their smells at an early age can help discourage this territorial response when you are training your dog not to bite.

Dogs will naturally inhibit biting when playing with litter mates. They nip, but learn early not to bite too hard. You can take advantage of this by widening the pack to include family members and other pets.

Be careful when introducing strange dogs from outside. Make sure you know the dog's temperament and restrain both animals and let them approach each other slowly until they have satisfied their natural curiosity by having a good sniff.

Watch for body tension, snarling, fur standing up and erect ears and other indicators of aggression. Make the dog sit, stroke its back and put out your hand to the other animal then convey the smell to your pet. Then allow them to interact.

Dogs normally can be taught not to bite by four and a half months, but it can sometimes take longer so don't give up.

Breeds vary and so do individuals. Older dogs who have not been trained in bite supression or socialized properly when they were young will take longer to train, but most dogs can be trained not to bite with persistance, understanding and a good training program.

About the Author

John Thompson is co-owner of http://www.good-dog-care.com Advice on natural dog health care, canine diseases, dog training and dog obedience.