6 Likely Reasons: Why Do Dogs Bite Water? + Tips To Stop It!

Why Does My Dog Like To Bite The Water? 

Ideally, you glanced through the quick explanation above and already figured out exactly what your canine pal is up to. If that’s not the case, no worries. I’ll cover each reason your dog is biting at the water in more detail.

If you did realized your dog’s reason right away, skip down to the sections about whether it’s okay and concerns about dogs biting at water to make sure your pooch isn’t doing anything that could hurt her.

Playing (The Most Likely Explanation)

Generally, when dogs bite at the water, it’s just a way of having a good time. After all, most dogs love playing around in water just like we do. And it isn’t unusual for them to have fun by splashing and biting at water.

For instance, my loveable goofballs, Duke and Bella, are water enthusiasts. Duke enjoys catching and biting water as it comes out of the hose. In fact, during the summer, we spend a couple of days a week having a great time playing that game together.

Bella, on the other hand, loves to frolic in lakes and ponds. She especially loves to get about chest deep and jump through the water as she bites at…all with a big doggy grin on her face!

To Cool Off

During hot days, your dog might be especially interested in water because it’s a great way for her to cool off. Dogs don’t have the luxury of sweating like we do – they only cool down through panting and by releasing heat through their paws.

Biting or playing with water can provide some much-needed relief from the heat!

Thirsty

It might seem obvious, but your dog could be nibbling on water because she’s thirsty. Ensure that your pooch always has access to clean and fresh water, especially during warmer weather or during and after a good vigorous play session.

To Relieve Boredom And Burn Off Some Energy

Dogs can get bored just like us, and they also need to burn off energy somehow. Biting and splashing water can be an entertaining way to expel some of that pent-up energy.

Make sure your dog has plenty of physical and mental stimulation to help prevent boredom.

You Encouraged It

Maybe you accidentally (or intentionally) taught your dog to bite at the water during a play session or training. Dogs are smart observers and will keep doing a behavior that gets them attention or positive reinforcement.

If you don’t want your dog to keep biting water, make sure to avoid reinforcing the habit.

She’s Trying To Help or Save You (Or Someone Else In The Water)

Although less common, some dogs may bite at water if they think you or someone else in the water is in trouble. They might be trying to help or save you. This is just a dog’s natural protective instincts shining though!

Is It Okay For My Dog To Bite Water?

So you noticed your lovable canine’s fascination with water – splashing, playing, and yes, even biting at it.

I covered the reasons why your good girl is probably biting at the water, now the question is, should you be concerned about this behavior?

Generally speaking, as long as your dog isn’t causing any other problems while biting water, it’s absolutely fine. However, if you don’t want your dog to get wet or if she’s making a mess, you might want to limit this behavior…at least for the time being.

There are also some other considerations to keep in mind when it comes to your dog biting water. Let’s dive in (pun intended) and check out the other reasons you might not want your good girl to bite the water.

When To Be Concerned About Your Dog Biting Water

We all know how much dogs love to play with water. However, there are certain situations where it might not be the best idea for your good girl to indulge in her water-biting ways.

Make sure your pooch is safe and exercise caution or even stop your dog from biting at water if the following situations come up:

• Overexertion: Some dogs don’t know when to stop, even when they’re tired. Ensure your pup takes breaks during water play to avoid exhaustion.

• Excessive water intake: If your dog is swallowing excessive amounts of water, this may pose a risk to her health. Some dogs even start inhaling water when they’re biting at it.  Needless to say, this isn’t something you want your pooch to do!

• Contaminated water: Be wary of water sources with potential bacteria, chemical contaminants, or pollutants that could harm your dog.

• Dangerous surroundings: Stay away from water areas with nearby hazards like marinas, large predators, or harmful algae.

• Restricted zones: Certain water sources, such as swimming pools or private property, may not be suitable for or allow dogs.

• Fast-moving water: Swift currents could be dangerous for dogs, as your dog will risk getting swept away and drowning.

As a responsible dog owner, be sure to keep an eye on your dog and be mindful of potential risks. If your pup’s safety isn’t at risk, then you’ll both have a more enjoyable experience!

Effective Tips To Stop Your Dog From Biting At Water

If your dog has a habit of biting at the water at the worst places and times and you need to put an end to it. The first step is to figure out your dog’s motivation. Knowing why your dog is biting at water will help you correct the behavior more easily.

I hope the reasons I previously discussed helped you realize why your dog is biting water. Now with your dog’s motivation in mind, check out these tips to get her to stop biting water.

Familiar Commands

Start by using familiar commands your dog already knows, like ‘no’ or ‘leave it.’ These commands can help redirect your dog’s attention away from the water and communicate that the biting behavior is not appropriate.

Distraction Techniques

Another helpful tool in training your dog not to bite water is distraction. When you see your dog showing interest in biting water, try using a toy or treat as a diversion to shift their focus.

This helps create a strong association between ignoring water-biting and getting something enjoyable instead.

The trick is to not let your dog think you’re rewarding her for biting water, so you must distract her before she starts biting water.

Separation

If your dog continues to bite at water, it might be necessary to create some distance between your dog and the source.

Try using a barrier, like a playpen or baby gate, to restrict your dog’s access to water sources (other than fresh drinking water, of course) until the undesired behavior subsides.

Positive Reinforcement, Not Punishment

When training your dog, it’s crucial to avoid punishing them for unwanted behaviors. Instead, use positive reinforcement to reward them for following commands and redirecting their focus from water-biting.

By spending time praising and celebrating your dog’s achievements, they will be more motivated to stop the undesired action.

Seek Professional Help

If you are still struggling to stop your dog from biting at the water, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional dog trainer for personalized assistance. Professionals can observe the problem firsthand and provide tailored solutions specifically designed for your dog’s needs.

Remember, every dog is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Patience and consistency are essential in the training process.

Wrapping It Up: Why Do Dogs Like To Bite The Water?

Dogs bite water for a lot of reasons including due to thirst, or to help someone. Sometimes, it might be because we taught our pooches to do it or they are trying to find relief from the heat. Despite this long list of possibilities though, your dog is probably biting water as a way to play.

For the most part, dogs biting water is okay as long as the water is clean and they are not overexerting themselves or in a dangerous environment.

If you don’t want your pup to be biting water or she is making a mess, you might need to limit the behavior.

You can do this by calling her away, using familiar commands, practicing distraction techniques, separating your dog from the problem water (not her drinking water though!), and positive reinforcement.

And if you are still struggling, it might be a good idea to seek the help of a professional trainer.   While it might seem strange or even annoying to see your good girl biting water, it’s generally not a cause for concern. If you’d like your canine buddy to stop, though, there are several effective techniques you can use to get the job done.

Ultimately, being a responsible dog owner means paying attention to your pup’s behavior and taking action when appropriate.