In using a technique called inhibition training you can train your dog not to bite. Though best used on puppies, it will work on older dogs as well.
Learning Bite Pressure
When playing with your dog, allow him to bite your hands. When he begins biting you too hard, say “Ouch!” to stop the biting and pull you hand or body part away.
If he continues the behavior, say “Ouch!” again loudly while pulling away then leave the room quickly and shut the door behind you.
Leaving your dog alone allow for your actions to be related to his own. In a minute, or two return to the room and resume playing. Continue this process often and before long your dog will understand how sensitive humans are to his bite.
Eliminating Bite Pressure
Again while playing with your dog start teaching him to not have any pressure at all when biting. For the most part, his bites shouldn’t be hurting by now, but if one seems harder than the rest and loudly say “Ouch!” as if it really hurt badly.
Repeat this technique during play and soon you dog’s bite pressure will be completely eliminated. He should reach this p
oint by the time he’s four to five months old.
Using Commands to Stop Biting
Once your pup knows how to bite softly, you can stop him from biting using the ‘Off’ command.
Hand-feed to teach “Off’ and ‘Take It’ Commands
Feed your puppy meals by giving him a few pieces of food at time from your hand. After he eats several pieces, hold one firmly between your fingers and thumb so he’s unable to get it away. When he sniffs and licks at the food say “Off!”
Your puppy will eventually give up trying to get the food, but the moment he pulls away say “Take It” and offer the piece by letting it fall into your open palm. Repeat this several times. Once your puppy understands the commands, wait longer before offering the piece of food and give him praise while he waits.
Hand-feeding your puppy this way will keep his mouth soft when biting and teach him the meaning of Off.
Use ‘Off’ Command to Stop Biting
Once he learns the meaning of ‘Off’, you can stop him from biting by using this command. Let your puppy start to bite you and then say “Off!” Offer him a treat if he stops biting.
If he doesn’t, angrily leave the room and shut the door. Wait a few minutes before coming back, but don’t resume the training when you return. Give your puppy a chew toy instead and try again later.
It’s best to practice the ‘Off’ command several times in short sessions. Once your pup has the idea, try the command without offering a treat as a reward.
Excerpts for this page were taken from www.raisingspot.com