Puppies are cute. Everybody loves them.

The problem with puppies, however, is that they enjoy chewing. A whole lot. A little too much, even.

For a puppy, it is natural to take things in his mouth while he's playing and some say chewing on things also helps them deal with teething.

While it is okay for a puppy to chew on the doggy toys his master buys for him, it is totally unacceptable for him to bite a person.

If you do not train your puppy to keep his teeth to himself, there is the risk that he will grow up thinking biting is acceptable behavior. You and the people around you will not be too happy about that.

There are two things here that you need to keep in mind in order to teach your puppy that biting is unacceptable.

1. Socialization.

When your puppy is playing with other puppies, he will learn in a natural manner that biting (too hard) is a bad thing.

So when he is having social interaction with other dogs and he accidentally chews too hard on a playmate's leg, then his playmate will bark at him or even bite him back. Your puppy learns the consequences of biting all on his own in a natural manner.

2. Discipline.

The discipline required does not apply to the puppy, but to the owner himself.

When your puppy is playing with toys and biting on them, have the discipline to stay away from his play, or he might bite you in your hand.

You should not ever let your puppy bite your hand, not even if it is in a playful manner.

This will teach him that biting humans is, apparently, acceptable. So stay away from the playful bites as well as the mean ones.

In summary, dog training is important when you are trying to develop a positive relationship with your dog.

Make that investment of time and energy, and you'll thank yourself for it later on.

And so will your doggy!