Puppy biting is a common challenge many Poodle owners face, especially during the early stages of training. While it may seem playful at first, it can quickly become frustrating and even painful as your puppy’s teeth grow sharper. Understanding how to stop puppy biting is essential not only for protecting your hands, feet, and furniture, but also for encouraging good behavior in your Poodle. Properly addressing puppy biting is key to ensuring your Poodle grows into a well-behaved dog, ready to follow commands, socialize, and adapt to your household rules. Puppy owners often struggle with managing the biting behavior, especially when their Poodle is teething, full of excess energy, or simply trying to explore the world around them. However, with consistency and patience, you can stop puppy biting and create a positive foundation for training, socialization, and obedience. In this guide, we’ll discuss effective techniques such as redirection, bite inhibition, and the use of chew toys, all while promoting calmness and positive reinforcement to help your Poodle learn the right way to behave.
Why Do Puppies Bite?
Puppy biting is a common behavior that can leave many new pet owners wondering why their furry friend is so eager to chew on everything. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior is key to teaching your puppy how to stop puppy biting. Here’s a breakdown of the main causes of puppy biting.
Puppy Biting Causes:
Given are the puppy biting causes:
Teething Discomfort
One of the primary reasons puppies bite is because they are teething. Just like human babies, puppies go through a stage where their baby teeth fall out and adult teeth come in. This process can be uncomfortable, and chewing on objects or biting helps relieve the discomfort in their gums. During this stage, puppies may chew on anything they can get their paws on, from toys to your clothes, or even your fingers.
Play Behavior and Natural Exploration
Puppies are naturally playful and curious. Biting is a normal part of their exploration process, helping them interact with their environment. Through biting, puppies learn about the world around them and test different textures, shapes, and resistance. This behavior is part of their development and is a way for them to communicate and understand boundaries with other dogs and people.
Overstimulation or Frustration
Puppies may bite when they become overstimulated or frustrated. For example, during playtime, they might get so excited that they start nipping or biting in an attempt to keep the fun going. However, if their play gets too intense or they don’t know how to release their energy properly, it can result in unwanted biting behavior. This can also happen if they are being held too long or not allowed to rest when they need to.
Attention-Seeking Behavior
Sometimes, puppies bite because they want attention. If they notice that biting gets a reaction from you, whether it’s laughter or trying to move away from them, they may repeat the behavior to get noticed. In some cases, this is due to boredom or a lack of other things to do. Puppies need plenty of mental stimulation, so when they’re left alone with too much energy, biting might be their way of getting your focus.
Fear or Anxiety
Fear or anxiety is another reason for puppy biting. If a puppy feels scared or stressed in a new environment or situation, they may use biting as a defense mechanism. Puppies are still learning how to navigate the world, and if something feels threatening, biting might be their way of coping with fear or anxiety. Additionally, if they haven’t had proper socialization with other dogs or people, they may not know how to communicate appropriately, leading to biting as a response to uncertainty.
By recognizing these causes, you can begin to understand how to stop puppy biting and help your puppy grow into a well-behaved dog. Each reason for biting can be addressed with patience, proper training, and positive reinforcement.
How To Stop Puppy Biting Fast
Puppy biting can be challenging, but taking action early is key to curbing the behavior. When puppies are young, their biting habits can become more ingrained if not addressed properly. The sooner you begin puppy biting prevention, the easier it will be to teach them bite inhibition and redirect their behavior.
Importance of Immediate Action
To stop puppy biting fast, it’s important to act immediately when the biting occurs. The longer biting continues without correction, the harder it becomes to change the behavior. Redirecting the puppy to appropriate chew toys or using verbal cues like “no” or “ouch” can signal to your puppy that biting is not acceptable.
Techniques to Curb Biting Behavior Quickly
One of the best ways to stop puppy biting is by using bite inhibition training. This involves teaching your puppy how to control the strength of their bite. When they bite too hard, give a loud “ouch” or “no” and stop playing. This teaches them that biting causes the fun to end, and helps them understand their strength during play.
Another effective strategy is redirection. If your puppy is biting, immediately replace your hand or clothing with an appropriate chew toy. Offering chew toys helps satisfy their need to chew, especially when dealing with puppy teething solutions. Keeping a variety of toys handy allows you to quickly offer a distraction.
Positive Reinforcement and Consistency
When your puppy redirects their biting to appropriate toys or listens to commands, always reward them with praise or a treat. Positive reinforcement is one of the most powerful tools in shaping good behavior. Consistency in your training is essential for success. Make sure all family members are on the same page, so your puppy learns clear boundaries.
Training requires patience. Puppies need time to learn, and it’s important to remain calm and consistent. Over time, with repetition and the right socialization techniques, your puppy will understand the difference between acceptable and unacceptable behavior.
With the right approach and steady behavior modification, you can stop puppy biting and foster a well-behaved, happy puppy.
How To Stop Puppy Biting Furniture
If your puppy has started biting your furniture, it’s important to address the behavior early with consistent training. Puppies naturally explore the world with their mouths, and your furniture may seem like a tempting target. However, with the right approach, you can teach your puppy to stop this habit and protect your furniture.
Redirecting Puppy Attention from Furniture
One of the best ways to stop your puppy from biting furniture is by redirecting their attention. When you catch your puppy in the act of chewing on your furniture, calmly redirect them to a more appropriate object, such as a chew toy. It’s important to be consistent with this action. Each time they attempt to bite the furniture, redirect them to a designated chew toy. Over time, your puppy will learn to associate chewing with the toy rather than your furniture.
Use of Chew Toys to Prevent Chewing on Furniture
Chew toys are essential in helping to stop puppy biting behavior. Puppies need something to bite on, especially when they’re teething. Providing a variety of chew toys can satisfy their need to chew and keep them from focusing on your furniture. Make sure the toys are safe and suitable for their age. Chew toys with different textures and flavors can keep your puppy engaged, making it less likely they’ll go after furniture or other household items. Praise them when they choose the toy over the furniture to encourage positive behavior.
Encourage the Puppy to Use Designated Chew Zones
Another effective strategy to stop puppy biting furniture is to create a designated area for chewing. You can set up a comfortable space for your puppy, with their toys and blankets, where they can safely chew and play. This can help them understand that certain areas, like their designated chew zones, are appropriate for biting, while furniture is not. Be consistent with training and reward them when they use their chew zone. This teaches your puppy to focus their chewing on the right things.
By using a combination of redirection, chew toys, and designated chew zones, you can successfully stop your puppy from biting furniture. Through proper puppy training, bite inhibition, and positive reinforcement, your puppy will learn what is acceptable to chew on and what is not. Over time, these consistent training techniques will help your puppy develop good habits and protect your furniture from further damage.
How To Stop Puppy Biting Fast Leads
If you’re wondering how to stop puppy biting quickly, there are several effective techniques you can try. With consistent training and some patience, you can help your puppy learn how to control their biting behavior.
Training Leash or Lead for Control
Using a training leash is an excellent way to manage your puppy’s biting behavior, especially during walks. A training lead gives you more control over your puppy and helps prevent unwanted biting when they’re excited or distracted. If your puppy starts to bite during a walk, gently redirect their attention by guiding them with the leash and using positive reinforcement when they calm down. This helps teach them that biting leads to a loss of attention and is not acceptable.
Redirect with Chew Toys
One of the best ways to stop puppy biting is to provide an appropriate outlet for their chewing needs. Always carry a chew toy during walks and playtime. If your puppy starts biting, distract them with the toy to help redirect their energy. Chew toys provide teething relief and help reinforce bite inhibition, a crucial skill for puppies to learn. When they focus on the toy instead of your hands or clothes, praise them with positive reinforcement.
Obedience Training for Consistency
Teaching your puppy basic commands such as “sit” or “leave it” can also be effective in preventing biting. Obedience training is essential for teaching your puppy boundaries. When they start to bite, redirect their attention to a command or task. Using consistent training techniques not only helps with biting but also establishes good behavior patterns early on.
Socialization Tips for Behavior Modification
Socialization is another key element in stopping puppy biting. Expose your puppy to various environments, people, and other dogs so they can learn how to interact properly. Proper socialization helps with behavior modification and teaches puppies how to respond in different situations without resorting to biting. The more well-socialized your puppy is, the less likely they are to bite out of fear or overexcitement.
By using these training techniques and maintaining patience, you’ll be on your way to stopping puppy biting in no time. With positive reinforcement and consistency, your puppy will learn the appropriate ways to communicate and behave, making for a more enjoyable experience for both of you.
How To Stop A Puppy From Biting Your Feet And Hands
If your puppy is constantly nipping at your feet and hands, it can be frustrating. Fortunately, with the right approach, you can teach your puppy to stop biting and encourage better behavior. Here’s how:
Techniques to Stop Biting Hands or Feet
One of the most effective methods for stopping your puppy from biting your feet and hands is redirecting their behavior. Instead of reacting negatively, offer them something more appropriate to chew on, such as a chew toy. Whenever your puppy tries to bite your hands or feet, calmly and immediately give them a toy to focus on. Praise them when they start chewing on the toy, reinforcing the positive behavior. This teaches your puppy that chewing on toys is acceptable, while biting your feet and hands is not.
Redirecting Behavior | Use of Toys and Commands
Training your puppy to redirect their attention is key in preventing biting. You can use simple commands like “no” or “leave it” when they start to nip. Consistency is crucial, so use these commands every time they bite and follow up with a toy or a treat to show them what they should be doing instead. The more your puppy learns the boundaries, the less likely they will bite in the future. It’s important to practice this in various situations, so your puppy gets used to the commands even when they’re excited.
Managing Excitement and Overstimulation
Biting often occurs when a puppy is overly excited or overstimulated during play. Managing your puppy’s excitement can help prevent biting. Keep playtime sessions short and calm, especially with younger puppies who may not have developed full bite inhibition. If you notice your puppy becoming too excited, it may be time to give them a break to calm down. Make sure your puppy’s exercise needs are met by offering regular physical activity and mental stimulation, so they don’t become bored and resort to biting as a way to entertain themselves.
By using positive reinforcement, redirecting their behavior, and managing excitement, you can help your puppy learn how to stop biting your feet and hands, and guide them toward better behavior.
My Puppy Won’t Stop Biting Me and My Clothes
If your puppy won’t stop biting you and your clothes, it can be frustrating, but it’s a common part of their development. One of the main reasons for this behavior is teething, which causes discomfort and leads to more biting, especially on soft fabrics like clothing. In addition, puppies are naturally playful and may nip at you as part of their playful behavior or exploration. To stop puppy biting, it’s important to redirect their attention when they start nipping. Instead of allowing them to chew on your clothes or hands, try giving them a suitable chew toy or another object to bite. This helps them understand what is appropriate to bite. Training tips such as using positive reinforcement will also make a big difference. Rewarding your puppy with treats or praise when they stop biting and engage with toys helps reinforce the right behavior. If the biting continues despite redirection, consider using a time-out to help your puppy calm down and break the cycle of overactive behavior. Consistent socialization and teaching your puppy proper boundaries with both people and other pets will reduce behavioral issues. With time, patience, and proper guidance, your puppy will learn how to stop biting and enjoy healthy play without damaging your clothes.
My Puppy Won’t Stop Biting Me, I’ve Tried Everything
If your puppy won’t stop biting you despite trying various methods, it’s important to reassess the situation and approach it with patience and consistency. One of the main reasons puppies bite is that they are still learning bite inhibition, which is the ability to control how hard they bite. Without proper dog training or guidance, they may not understand the limits of their behavior. Puppies also bite more during teething, which can be uncomfortable, so providing teething-friendly toys and using distraction techniques can help. If your puppy’s biting persists, it may be a sign of behavior issues like lack of proper socialization or not enough exposure to other dogs, which is crucial for them to learn appropriate play behavior. Consistency in commands is key when addressing puppy biting, as clear and gentle correction will help them understand what is acceptable. If you’ve tried everything but still struggle, consider seeking professional help from a dog trainer who can guide you through specialized techniques like positive reinforcement and structured socialization. With time, effort, and expert guidance, you can teach your puppy how to stop puppy biting and develop better behavior patterns.
How To Discipline A Puppy For Biting
Disciplining a puppy for biting is more about teaching them proper behavior than punishing them. It’s important to understand that discipline should focus on guidance rather than correction. Positive reinforcement is key in puppy training, meaning that you reward your puppy for good behavior instead of punishing bad actions. When your puppy bites, redirect the behavior by offering appropriate toys for them to chew on. By doing this, they learn what is okay to bite and what isn’t. Consistency in training is crucial, responding the same way every time helps your puppy understand expectations. Instead of using physical punishment, which can cause fear and confusion, use a calm demeanor and reinforce positive behavior. Time-outs can also be effective; if your puppy continues to bite, calmly remove them from the situation for a short time to allow them to calm down. Puppy socialization is another important aspect, as it helps your puppy learn how to interact with other dogs and people without resorting to biting. Redirecting their attention to toys or encouraging calm behavior can prevent biting and help them understand boundaries. This approach will guide your puppy in learning how to stop puppy biting and foster good behavior.
My Puppy Keeps Biting Me Aggressively
If your puppy is biting you aggressively, it’s important to understand the difference between playful nipping and aggressive behavior. Playful biting is usually gentle and part of a puppy’s natural exploration or teething process. However, aggressive biting can be more intense, often accompanied by growling or tense body language. This behavior can sometimes indicate dominance issues or a lack of proper training. If the biting continues despite your efforts to redirect the behavior, it may be a sign that your puppy needs more consistent socialization or structured training. To manage this, start by using positive reinforcement, rewarding your puppy when they choose appropriate behavior. Redirecting their biting towards toys or chews can also be an effective strategy. Additionally, make sure your puppy’s exercise needs are being met, as excess energy can contribute to aggressive behavior. In cases where the biting seems to stem from deeper behavioral issues or if the aggression escalates, seeking professional help from a trainer or behaviorist can provide you with the guidance needed to stop puppy biting and ensure your puppy learns proper boundaries.
How Should I Discipline My Puppy for Biting?
Disciplining your puppy for biting should focus on gentle guidance and consistent training. Instead of using harsh methods like hitting or yelling, which can harm your bond with your puppy and cause fear, try using positive reinforcement techniques. When your puppy stops biting or redirects their attention to appropriate chew toys, reward them with praise or treats. Redirecting behavior is essential; if your puppy starts biting, calmly give them a chew toy or encourage them to focus on something else. Teaching simple commands like “no” or “gentle” can help reinforce what is acceptable. Consistency in discipline is key, make sure you respond the same way each time your puppy bites, so they can learn boundaries. The time-out method can also be effective: if your puppy continues to bite, briefly remove them from the play area to help them calm down and understand that biting stops playtime. Socialization with other dogs can help them learn bite inhibition naturally. By providing appropriate chew toys and using positive reinforcement, you can teach your puppy how to stop puppy biting in a way that fosters good behavior and strengthens your relationship.
How Do I Stop My Puppy from Biting?
To stop puppy biting, it’s important to focus on redirecting the behavior and providing consistent training. One effective way is to chew toys, as these help satisfy your puppy’s need to bite while protecting your hands and other belongings. During training, gentle correction is key, avoid being harsh, and instead, calmly guide your puppy away from inappropriate biting. Positive reinforcement should be used when your puppy engages with toys instead of your hands, rewarding them with praise or treats. Socialization is also an important part of the process, as it teaches your puppy how to interact appropriately with people and other dogs. Playtime management is crucial, too; ensuring your puppy has enough structured play and exercise helps prevent mouthy behavior caused by boredom or excess energy. Consistency in commands is essential, as your puppy will learn faster if you consistently reinforce what is acceptable and what is not. Additionally, crate training can be a helpful tool to manage your puppy’s behavior, especially during times when they may be overstimulated. With patience and consistent training, you can teach your puppy how to stop puppy biting and encourage good behavior.
Understanding Puppy Teething and Biting
Puppy teething is an important stage in a puppy’s development, usually beginning around 12 weeks of age and continuing until they are about 6 months old. During this time, your puppy’s baby teeth will fall out and be replaced by adult teeth, which can cause some discomfort. Common signs of teething discomfort include increased chewing, drooling, and a desire to bite on various objects. This behavior is normal, but it’s important to manage it so that your puppy learns appropriate chewing habits. To help ease your puppy’s discomfort, provide soothing techniques like cool, soft toys that are safe for their developing teeth. Encouraging your puppy to chew on appropriate toys can help prevent them from biting on household items and teach bite inhibition. This is a key part of puppy behavior that helps them learn how much pressure they can apply with their teeth. By offering suitable chew toys, you can guide your puppy through this teething stage while teaching them how to stop puppy biting in a positive way. Regular puppy dental care is essential to make sure their teeth are growing properly and their gums remain healthy.
Training Techniques to Stop Puppy Biting
Training your puppy to stop biting requires patience, consistency, and the right techniques. Here are some methods to help manage your puppy’s biting behavior and encourage good habits.
Positive Reinforcement and Rewards
One of the most effective ways to teach your puppy how to stop biting is through positive reinforcement. This means rewarding your puppy for good behavior with praise, treats, or playtime. When your puppy chooses not to bite, immediately give them a reward. This encourages your puppy to repeat the good behavior. Over time, they will learn that calm and gentle play leads to rewards, while biting does not.
Using Commands Like “Gentle” or “No Bite”
Teaching your puppy simple commands like “gentle” or “no bite” can be a game-changer in training. When your puppy starts to bite, say the command calmly but firmly. If they stop biting, praise them immediately. This helps your puppy understand that biting is not acceptable while also giving them an alternative way to interact with you.
Redirecting Behavior and Providing Chew Toys
Redirecting your puppy’s biting behavior is a key technique. Instead of allowing them to bite your hands or clothes, offer them a chew toy. Chew toys can provide the comfort and relief they need during teething while teaching them to bite appropriate items. Make sure to always have a variety of chew toys available for your puppy to choose from.
Consistency in Commands and Time-out Method
Consistency is crucial when training your puppy. Always use the same commands and respond to biting in the same way. If your puppy continues to bite, try the time-out method. Remove your puppy from the situation for a short period, which helps them understand that biting leads to losing your attention. After the time-out, return to play and give them another chance to interact gently.
Socialization Techniques and Training Sessions
Socializing your puppy with other dogs and people is an important part of their development. Puppies learn bite inhibition and appropriate play behavior from interacting with others. Attending puppy socialization classes and setting up controlled playdates with other dogs can help your puppy learn how to communicate and play without biting.
Training your puppy to stop biting may take time, but with consistency, positive reinforcement, and redirection techniques, your puppy will learn to interact appropriately and stop biting. Training sessions, patience, and a lot of love will ensure long-term success in shaping your puppy’s behavior.
Expert Tips And Advice For Stopping Puppy Biting
Stopping puppy biting can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can teach your puppy to control their behavior. Here are some expert tips and advice to help guide you through the process.
Use Positive Reinforcement for Training
One of the most effective training techniques for stopping puppy biting is positive reinforcement. Instead of punishing your puppy for biting, reward them for good behavior. When your puppy stops biting and interacts with toys or other acceptable objects, offer praise or treats. This reinforces the idea that good behavior leads to positive outcomes. Positive reinforcement helps your puppy learn what’s expected in a gentle and supportive way, creating a strong bond between you and your pet.
Redirect Behavior to Chew Toys
When your puppy starts biting, redirect their attention to chew toys or other appropriate objects. Puppies naturally have the urge to chew, especially during the teething phase. By offering chew toys, you can satisfy their need to bite while preventing them from biting you or your belongings. Make sure to keep a variety of chew toys on hand, as this can help prevent boredom and offer an outlet for your puppy’s energy.
Socialization and Puppy Development
Early socialization is crucial in preventing puppy biting. By exposing your puppy to other dogs, people, and different environments, they learn how to behave in various situations. This helps reduce fear and anxiety, which can be triggers for biting. Enroll your puppy in socialization classes to provide opportunities for them to interact with other puppies in a controlled setting. These experiences teach your puppy about appropriate play and bite inhibition, reducing the likelihood of biting as they grow.
Consistency is Key
Consistency in training is essential for stopping puppy biting. If you allow your puppy to bite sometimes and correct them at other times, it will confuse them. Be consistent with your approach and ensure that everyone in your household is on the same page. This will help your puppy understand the rules more clearly, making it easier for them to learn boundaries.
Consult a Professional if Needed
If your puppy’s biting persists despite your efforts, it may be time to consult a professional, such as a certified behavior consultant (CDBC) or a veterinary behaviorist like Toy and Poodle Puppies. These experts can offer tailored advice for addressing persistent biting issues, helping you understand the root causes and providing advanced training techniques to manage your puppy’s behavior.
By applying these expert tips, along with patience and understanding, you’ll be well on your way to stopping puppy biting and encouraging good behavior in your puppy.
Tools And Resources For Puppy Biting Solutions
When you’re looking to stop puppy biting, having the right tools and resources can make a big difference in your training success. These tools help manage biting behavior and promote positive habits, making your training sessions more effective and enjoyable for both you and your puppy.
Recommended Chew Toys for Teething Puppies
Teething can cause puppies to chew on anything they can find, and that often includes your hands, clothes, or furniture. Providing your puppy with safe and durable chew toys is one of the best ways to prevent biting. Teething-specific toys are designed to soothe sore gums and keep your puppy occupied. Look for soft rubber or nylon chew toys that are gentle on your puppy’s teeth but still strong enough to withstand their chewing. This not only prevents your puppy from biting you but also gives them something appropriate to explore.
Crate Training for Managing Puppy Biting
Crate training is another essential tool in managing puppy biting behavior. By introducing your puppy to a crate, you can give them a safe, quiet space where they can relax and calm down when they become overly excited or overstimulated. Crates can also be used to prevent biting when you’re unable to supervise your puppy, helping them avoid engaging in unwanted behavior. This technique can be particularly useful when you’re not around to redirect their attention to appropriate chewing toys.
Useful Training Tools: Leashes, Treat Pouches, and More
Using training tools like leashes, treat pouches, and clickers can make teaching your puppy how to stop puppy biting easier. A leash allows you to guide your puppy during training sessions and prevent them from getting too close to your hands or feet while playing. Treat pouches can hold training treats, making it easy to reward positive behavior immediately after your puppy redirects their biting to appropriate toys. Additionally, using a clicker can help reinforce positive actions during training sessions, making the process smoother for both you and your puppy.
These tools, combined with positive reinforcement and proper puppy socialization, can go a long way in stopping unwanted biting behavior. When used alongside obedience training and behavior modification techniques, you can help your puppy learn boundaries and build good habits for the future.
How to Prevent Puppy Biting in the Future
To prevent puppy biting in the future, it’s important to start training and setting boundaries early. One of the most effective ways to stop puppy biting is to teach bite inhibition, which helps your puppy learn how to control the force of their bite. Consistency in commands is key, using positive reinforcement to reward good behavior and gently correcting unwanted behavior can go a long way. Redirecting your puppy’s biting to chew toys or other appropriate objects helps them understand what’s acceptable. Socialization is also crucial for teaching your puppy how to interact properly with other dogs and people, reducing fear or overexcitement that might lead to biting. Regular mental stimulation and exercise can prevent boredom and excess energy, which often cause puppies to bite out of frustration. Additionally, managing playtime and providing plenty of opportunities for your puppy to play and explore in a controlled way will help them learn appropriate behavior. By sticking to these strategies, you can guide your puppy to develop into a well-behaved dog while knowing how to stop puppy biting effectively.
Conclusion
To stop puppy biting in Poodles, it’s important to focus on a few key strategies. Start with teaching bite inhibition, using positive reinforcement, and redirecting your puppy’s biting behavior to chew toys. Socialization and consistent training will help your Poodle learn proper boundaries and interactions. Make sure to provide enough mental stimulation and exercise to prevent boredom, and always remain patient and consistent in your approach. Remember, puppy biting is a normal behavior, but with the right training and guidance, it can be managed effectively. Stay consistent, and your Poodle will grow into a well-behaved, happy dog.
FAQs
Why does my puppy bite so much?
Puppy biting is a natural behavior, often caused by teething, exploration, or playfulness. Puppies also bite to communicate and learn about their surroundings.
How long does the puppy biting phase last?
The puppy biting phase usually lasts until around 7 months, as their adult teeth come in and they learn bite inhibition through training and socialization.
Is it normal for puppies to bite during play?
Yes, it’s normal for puppies to bite during play. They learn bite inhibition by playing with others, which helps them understand the right amount of pressure.
How can I stop my puppy from biting me and my clothes?
Redirect your puppy’s attention to chew toys when they bite you or your clothes. Consistently use gentle corrections, and avoid playing with your hands or feet.
When should I seek professional help for puppy biting?
If your puppy’s biting continues beyond the typical phase or causes injury, or if you’re struggling with training, it’s time to seek professional help.
How can I prevent my puppy from biting other people?
Ensure your puppy is well-socialized and trained to understand boundaries. Consistent training and positive reinforcement will help them learn appropriate behavior with others.