Stop Playtime Biting and Scratching

Sometimes young, adolescent pups and kittens play roughly, using their teeth and sometimes their claws when they get excited.  And, while this may be fun for them, it certainly does not make them very pleasant for us to play with.  The best way to encourage polite “teeth free” play is to be consistent.  Don’t allow anyone in your home to “use” body parts (feet, hands, arms, etc.) as play toys.  Don’t wave fingers in front of your pet, or wrestle with them or wiggle your toes to get their attention.  Always have a play toy on hand to direct your pet to should he get overly excited.  Encourage him to play with the toy, not your hands and feet.  And if he forgets and his teeth touch human skin, play should stop immediately.  Game over.  He only gets to play if he plays nicely and keeps his teeth (and claws) to himself.

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