HAWAIIAN HUMANE SOCIETY

Puppies start teething at age 3 to 6 months — that's when chewing becomes exercise. Their carousing often includes play-biting, and dogs need guidance on what's appropriate to chew.

If a puppy bites a litter mate or his mother too hard, the other dog will yelp and stop playing. The mother may growl or punish the offending pup with a nip. This is how pups learn boundaries — and that biting hurts.

They may also bite or "mouth" your hand during playtime. While it's tempting to indulge and let your canine companion set the tone for roughhousing, you could be setting the stage for bad habits and possibly dangerous, future situations.

So even if your puppy's nips are harmless play, it's important to train her not to bite people. Dogs can be taught two valuable lessons: how to redirect energy toward acceptable chew toys, and being gentle when a hand is near his or her mouth.

While petting your puppy, scratch behind his ears with one hand and offer a chew toy with the other. Your puppy will learn that people and petting are wonderful, while her mouth is kept busy. Alternate which hand does the petting and which one has the chew toy, and keep the sessions short but frequent.

Set boundaries when playing tug-o'-war or wrestling with your puppy. When she nips you, look your puppy in the eyes and loudly say, "Ouch!" as though you've been mortally wounded. She'll learn that nipping ends social interaction with you.

If your puppy puts his mouth on your hand during a tug game, say words that signify the end of play, such as "play over," in a normal, matter-of-fact tone. Then take away the toy for a few minutes. Your puppy should learn that biting your hand means playtime is over.

Teaching your pup the meaning of "enough" can stop biting with a single word.

But some pups won't let go if you say "Ouch!" Instead, they might play-bite harder, taking your admission of pain as a sign that they're winning. In these cases, the best tactic is to take a brief time-out. Curtly walk away from your pup as if he's just not there anymore. If he tries to regain your attention, leave the room. Stay away for a minute, so he'll realize playtime has ended. Then return, give him a toy to keep his mouth busy, and pet him gently for a moment. If he starts biting again, leave again. If he doesn't bite, continue to play, but keep it somewhat subdued.

Remember to avoid physical punishment, which can cause your dog to fear you or to be aggressive.

By practicing these training techniques, your pup will learn a valuable natural lesson, the same one her mother and littermates started teaching her. Playmates won't play with a pup that's too rough.

All family members should use the same words and offer similar praise phrases, while avoiding punishment. For children, the first reaction to being nipped is to push the puppy away. This will be interpreted as play and could encourage the puppy to nip even more. Adults should supervise interaction between their children and dogs.

Plus, there are alternatives to roughhousing, such as fetching toys, practicing obedience commands or meeting other dogs at the dog park. Socialization of your dog at an early age is critical to his well-rounded development.

ADOPTABLES

TIPPY

Tag No. 78871. Just 7 months old, Tippy is still growing and has the playful spunk of a kitten. She is spayed and waiting for you at the Cat House. Look for her brown and black stripes with a snowy white chest and paws.

BRIDGET

Tag No. 74864. Here's a lanky, medium-size 2-year-old with coat colors similar to Tippy's. Bridget is brown and black with white face, chest and belly. She enjoys learning new things as well as being praised, petted and hugged.

These animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open daily. For hours, special events and to see more pets available for adoption, go to www.hawaiian humane.org or call 946-2187.