Bitey Puppy -Taking Treats!

 

🍪 Ouch! The Treat-Taking Struggle Is Real

You’ve got the treat ready.
Your puppy’s eyes lock in like a laser.
You reach down to deliver it…

💥 CHOMP! Tiny teeth graze your fingers.
💥 OUCH! Your hand gets scratched by those sharp little puppy claws.
💥 YIKES! You spill the treats, and your puppy scrambles around like they just won the lottery.

At that moment, you might be thinking:
“Why am I even doing this?”
“Maybe I should stop using treats altogether.”
“Training is supposed to be fun… this just hurts!”

And you’re right—getting nipped during training isn’t fun. But here’s the thing: the problem isn’t the treats. It’s how they’re delivered.

🐾 Tips for Treat Delivery Without the Ouch

✅ Flat-hand delivery – Present treats on the flat of your palm (like you’re feeding a horse). No more pinched fingers!

✅ Deliver below the nose – Instead of dangling the treat above your pup’s face (which encourages leaping), move your hand slightly down and forward, so your puppy naturally stays grounded.

✅ Strategic floor placement – Drop or place treats on the ground in a calm pattern to encourage sniffing and settling, instead of bouncing and grabbing.

✅ Play the Zen Hand Game – Hold a fistful of treats. Only open your hand when the puppy stops pawing, nudging, or nipping. Calm = access.

✅ Try “It’s Yer Choice” – Place treats in your hand (or on the floor, covered). Let your puppy investigate, but only reward when they move back and show patience. This game teaches impulse control in a fun, rewarding way.

💡 Here’s the Truth:

When you shift from “constant chaos” to thoughtful delivery and games that reward patience, you transform your training sessions. Suddenly, your puppy isn’t a flying missile! They’re learning calm focus and polite manners.

And training feels good again. For both of you. ❤️

👉 Want more fun, game-based strategies for teaching your puppy manners?
Check out our Play With a Purpose E-Book that is packed with simple games to build impulse control, focus, and cooperation (without the pain and frustration!).

Join My Mini-Workshop!

If puppy nipping is disrupting your home, I’d love to support you.

🐾 Bite-Free Play: A 3-Part Puppy Nipping Workshop
📅 September 23rd–25th
⏰ Three short sessions (10–15 minutes each)

You’ll learn how to:
✅ Calm the chaos with “freeze & redirect”
✅ Replace nips with playful alternatives
✅ Build your pup’s emotional regulation skills

Each session is packed with simple exercises, fun games, and take-home challenges to practice with your puppy.

Sign Up For Bite Sized Lessons Here!