Redirect to Appropriate Targets

Keep a toy within reach at all times during the training period. When your dog approaches with a mouthy attitude, present the toy before teeth reach your hand. Reward heavily when they take the toy instead of your skin.

Tug toys work especially well because they satisfy the same grip-and-pull instinct that drives mouthing. Play tug with rules — the game pauses if teeth touch your hand, and resumes when your dog takes the toy cleanly. This teaches precise mouth control while keeping play fun and high-energy.