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Does your Belgian Malinois puppy love to bite everything and everyone?

Don't worry, they're doing exactly what they were bred to do. 🦖 

After receiving over 100 messages from K9 Bites subscribers who reported mouthiness as their biggest challenge, here's what actually works.👇️ 

Weekly Bite

If you've been part of r/belgianmalinois for at least a week, I'm sure you've seen the following questions asked at least once:

These threads pop up weekly. Sometimes daily.

And for good reason since Belgian Malinois puppies take teething to a totally different level…

maligatormom_

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Well that’s because they’re not just teething…

They're doing exactly what generations of selective breeding programmed them to do.

Why else would the Navy SEALS use them to apprehend bad guys.

So don’t worry, your puppy isn’t broken.

Programming aside, their genetics are still a handful to deal with.

So here’s what actually works: 👇️

1️⃣ Give them a positive outlet first

Satisfy their genetic impulse to bite through structured tug games.

Tug teaches them the difference between appropriate biting (the toy) and inappropriate biting (you).

Here’s a separate guide on 🔑 How To Play Tug & Teach The Out

2️⃣ Set them up for success

Place your puppy in an exercise pen or leash them to something solid.

This gives them freedom to play while giving you the ability to create consequences for mouthing.

3️⃣ Teach them by playing tug with them

Play tug with a toy that’s safe for teething puppies.

I like this leather rag since it’s soft on their gums and shows blood easily incase you over do it. 😓

If they mouth you while playing tug, say “No” firmly and pause play for 15 seconds.

This teaches your puppy that fun stops when they mouth you—using negative punishment.

4️⃣ Be prepared to redirect your puppy 24/7

Redirection means channeling their genetic impulses toward something appropriate instead of fighting them.

Michael Ellis demonstrates this perfectly in his two-part series on puppy redirection techniques below.

Since their instincts can kick in at any moment, you need to be ready to redirect consistently:

1. Say “No” and don’t pull away when they mouth you

2. Stay completely limp and unaffected until they release you

3. Reward the release with praise and redirect them to a toy

5️⃣ Soothe their teething discomfort

Frozen Kongs stuffed with peanut butter or wet food provide relief for sore gums while keeping them occupied.

The cold numbs teething pain and the mental stimulation tires them out.

TL;DR: Mouthiness is genetic, not just teething. Train, redirect, and provide a positive outlet for their impulse to bite. This phase will pass, but the habits you build now last forever.

Tail End

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Until next Thursday, ✌️

Sam