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How to train a dog that bites when disciplined without aggression?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 7 months old | 75 lbs

If a dog tries to bite during discipline and when u take the aggressive discipline, how do you discipline them ? I feel like me being nice won't make him stop doing those wrong things .. my dog thinks he is alpha and stubborn . I need him to completely stop the bad stuff not punish then go and do it the next day.. help

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on June 28th, 2018

Hi there. This situation is precisely why we do not recommend any kind of harsh discipline - this is a common trigger for aggression in many dogs, as it makes them feel threatened and they may become aggressive to try and defend themselves. Dogs do not think they are "alpha" - this is a myth, and does not accurately describe the underlying causes of most problem behavior. I would recommend discontinuing this type of punishment immediately, as it may very well cause you to be bitten and will not help resolve the behavior issues you're having.

It's likely that your dog simply needs to be taught in a positive way what you DO want him to do, rather than being punished for doing things you don't like. You can find a good reward-based trainer in your area here to help guide you: www.ccpdt.org

A great, practical book on dog training and behavior in general is "How To Behave So Your Dog Behaves", by Dr. Sophia Yin. I would highly recommend it if you're looking to learn more about how to train your dog effectively. Jean Donaldson's "The Culture Clash" is also excellent. :)

For more information on dominance theory and why this is not a useful way to view dog behavior, see the position statement on this issue from the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT): https://ahimsadogtraining.com/dominance-training-position-statement-by-apdt/
Vote Icon7Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 17th, 2019

    I strongly recommend you consult with a professional, in-home dog trainer. You need a trainer to come to your house and see the behavior and the interaction of everyone with Crowley. This is your best bet. Aggression problems need special care and it is not recommended that you try to correct this on your own. You may give him the wrong signals and make him worse. Especially with his breed you need to do this right from the start. You should also consider having him neutered as this often helps as well. I like this company but I don't know if they have a location in your area.

    ( https://sitmeanssit.com/locations/ )

    You can also try this local trainer. If she can't help you she may be able to refer you to someone who can.

    ( http://www.doglogicwithbarbara.com/training/ )

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Emily, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 1st, 2017

    It could be your dog is protective/possessive of you our other what he deems rewards/valued items. When it comes to dogs and aggression, it can be a very long and difficult process with stripped and consistent training. I strongly recommend consulting a veterinary behaviorist as well as understanding once a dog bites it is at a greater risk for future bites compared other dogs. In the meantime you should keep your dog away from all children especially unsupervised. But your best option is to do one on one training for this behavior. Also understand there's a certain degree of liability of handling/owning a dog that has known aggressive tendencies and some insurance policies won't cover dog bite damages.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Debi Matlack

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on December 6th, 2016

    Without more information it's hard to give specific advice. If this is a puppy, gentle but firm correction when he plays too hard and walking away to deny attention can be effective. In an older dog, it can be more difficult to correct and may require the help of a trainer. Obedience training is an excellent place to start with any dog of any age. This helps the dog learn what behavior is and is not acceptable and to listen to you in case an incident does occur, you are in better control with some basic obedience training. The reason for the biting and aggression plays a large part in how best to treat it. If it's out of fear or territorialism, the approaches can be quite different.

    For any dog, one vital part of them being happy and well-behaved is exercise and mental stimulation. Very intelligent dogs are more prone to anxiety and misbehavior because they need something to occupy their mind and burn off energy, they need a 'job'. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise. Go for long walks, if you run take the dog with you. Play fetch, get him involved in flyball or agility training, take him for playdates with friends and their dogs, anything and everything to burn off excess energy. A tired dog is a happy dog. Something else that can help is getting him a Kong toy to chew and play with. They are almost indestructible, it gives your dog an outlet for chewing and play and can be stuffed with peanut butter to keep him busy when you aren't home. A slow feeder or puzzle feeder is another way to keep his mind occupied and encourage him to problem-solve, by making him work to get treats or his meals, the way his wolf ancestors had to.

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    4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Punishment is not recommended as a training method for dogs - because as you've seen, it's not very effective at changing behavior and only confuses and frightens your dog. There is never any reason to physically strike a dog during training, so please don't do this anymore. Instead, effective training is based on teaching your dog what you want him to do, then rewarding him when he gets it right. If you have no previous experience with dog training and are becoming frustrated with your dog, believe me when I say that it would be well worth the money to work with a good trainer in person for a few lessons to get you on the right track. You can search for a qualified trainer in your area here: www.ccpdt.org In the meantime, I would highly recommend the book "How To Behave So Your Dog Behaves" by Dr. Sophia Yin. It's great for beginners, and explains a lot about how fog training works including practical suggestions for dealing with common issues like jumping up.
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