Lesson 3 for Tiko

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Bark

Strategies to Reduce Tiko’s Biting

🎉 Hey Sharin, welcome to Lesson 3! You and Ted have been doing an amazing job, and now we’ll focus on helping him stay calm and focused.

Need a refresher on exercises to reduce Tiko’s biting?

How to Teach Tiko Gentle Play & Independence

These exercises will help Tiko learn bite control, manage his excitement, and build confidence when spending time alone.

Encourage Calmness & Reduce Overstimulation

📅 Practice: Daily, as needed
🕒 Best times: When Tiko becomes overly excited, nippy, or anxious

Step-by-Step Training Guide:

  1. Recognize Overstimulation – If Tiko gets too hyper and starts nipping or barking excessively, pause interactions immediately. Avoid scolding—simply disengage and wait for him to settle.

  2. Guide Him to a Quiet Space – Set up a calm zone with a soft bed, calming chews, or a frozen Kong to help him relax.

  3. Use Gentle Handling – If Tiko struggles to settle, try slow petting or a gentle massage instead of high-energy play.

  4. Encourage Rest – Puppies need 16-20 hours of sleep daily. Ensure he gets regular naps to prevent overtired nipping.

🐾 Paw Tip: A stuffed Kong with peanut butter or a snuffle mat can help Tiko self-soothe and stay engaged while winding down.

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Reinforce Independence & Self-Control

📅 Practice: Multiple times a day
🕒 Best times: Before meals, treats, or when preparing to leave the house

Step-by-Step Training Guide:

  1. Teach Patience with “Wait” – Ask Tiko to sit before giving him food, attention, or a toy. Reward him only when he waits calmly.

  2. Use Impulse Control Games – Play “Wait before taking a treat” by holding a treat in your hand and only allowing him to take it when given a cue. Increase wait time gradually.

  3. Introduce Short Alone Time – Start with brief periods where Tiko plays independently in another room with a chew toy. Reward calm behavior to build his confidence when alone.

Avoid Encouraging Biting in Play

📅 Practice: Always during playtime
🕒 Best times: When playing with Tiko

Step-by-Step Training Guide:

  1. Use Toys, Not Hands – Never encourage play with hands or fingers. Instead, offer long rope toys, soft plush toys, or rubber chew toys during play.

  2. If He Bites Hands, Stop Immediately – Withdraw attention the moment Tiko bites skin. Stand up, cross your arms, and ignore him briefly before resuming play.

  3. Redirect to a Toy – If he starts nipping, swap your hand for an appropriate chew toy and praise him for using it.

🐾 Paw Tip: Teething toys satisfy Tiko’s need to bite while teaching him to interact appropriately. Let him “win” sometimes to keep play fun and rewarding!

Beyond Training: Tools & Tricks to Support Tiko’s Progress

While training is key, there are also practical tools that can help manage Tiko’s reactivity:

🐶 Environmental Adjustments:

🌿 Calming Aids

Final Thoughts: What’s Next for Tiko?

Tiko is a bright, loving pup, and with ongoing practice, he’ll grow into a well-mannered, confident companion. Training is a journey, so take it step by step and celebrate every small success!

🐾 Reinforce calm behavior – Keep practicing to strengthen his self-control and reduce overstimulation.

🐶 Enrich his daily routine – A happy, engaged pup is less likely to nip or bark excessively.

❤️ Stay consistent – The best results come when everyone follows the same training approach.

Now that you understand Tiko’s needs better, you’re set up for success! Keep guiding him with patience, and enjoy every moment of his progress. 💛🐾