One very common aspect of animal behavior that can prove to be somewhat challenging to a pet owner is small pet biting – as well as finding an effective training method to discourage this undesirable behavior. Even though playful biting is an inherent trait for many small animals, it is a habit that should not be allowed to continue without some form of correction. Obviously, the younger the small animal is, 
the easier it will be to teach him what behaviors you consider to be inappropriate. And, small pet biting is definitely a behavior that should be “nipped in the bud”.
The simplest and most common training method designed to dissuade small pet biting is to withhold attention when biting or nipping occurs. A stern “no” combined with pulling away should send a clear message to your small pet that biting is unacceptable and you want the behavior to cease.
If you find that verbal correction alone is not a sufficient behavior-modifying method for your small pet biting habit, time-out in his cage or other suitable form of confinement may prove to be a necessary and more effective deterrent for biting. This time-out period also provides your pet with an opportunity to calm down, since an excited or overly stimulated animal is more likely to bite – playfully or otherwise. Bitter apple spray on your hands can also be an effective way to discourage small pet biting – your small friend will come to realize that biting tastes bad.
Tapping or flicking the nose in order to discourage small pet biting may be a fairly common form of discipline, but might not produce the positive results you are attempting to achieve. In some cases, physical discipline may encourage aggression and make your pet feel anxious or fearful. Some animals may even misinterpret their owner’s attempt at correction as rough play, which may very well lead to an increase in the biting behavior. It’s not advisable to resort to nose-tapping or other physical discipline with a small animal that may have been mistreated or who exhibits unusually aggressive or fearful behavior. 
Physical methods of discipline are therefore not recommended as an effective form of behavior modification.
In all cases of small pet biting, patience while your pet is learning what your expectations are and positive reinforcement when he meets them, are always necessary ingredients for behavior modification. Perseverance pays and your small pet will respond positively to training that is immediate and consistent.
