How do I stop my Jack Russell from play biting?

I’m not really sure how to stop it,
But I think it’s just because you’re the dominant male.
Just show him who’s boss.

Your statement that he is worse with you than with other family members tells me that you’re playing inappropriately with him. Never roughhouse with your hands or feet, always use a displacement object – a tug toy, a stuffed animal, a rope toy, something of that nature. When you want to interact, have the toy handy and encourage him to use his mouth on it. When he slips and uses his teeth on you, give a firm, sharp “No!” and stop all interaction – get up and walk away, don’t look at him or speak to him.

If you are consistent, the amount of time that he can play with you without slipping up should increase with each interlude. Use a calm, approving voice as he plays with the toy, and cut him off completely when he slips. It’s a smart breed, so he should catch on pretty quickly. But it’s also a hyperactive, high strung breed, so you’ll have to keep working consistently with him until the behavior is firmly entrenched.

syz is right – you are playing with him differently than other household members. When two puppies play and it gets too rough, one will yelp and stop playing. Gradually the other puppy will learn bite inhibition if he wants to keep playing. You need to replicate that with your JRT. When he bites make a sharp sound, turn away, and end the play session. Eventually he will get the point.

In addition, provide him with a toy or toys he can attack and bite – JRTs are active hunters and love to chase critters down and “murdalize” them. Even if they don’t get to catch them they still love the chase. They also need several walks a day to help keep their energy down to a tolerable level.

I couldn’t have said it better than syz & darwin!

My dog for awhile did this and still does on occasion – I would just remove myself from the situation all together – just walk away when he starts. I know that can be hard because he will just follow and continue but leave the room and close the door. Eventually he will realize he is doing something bad. The worst thing you can do is take away playtime. Now when my dog gets to excited I say “NO!” in a firm voice and pull my hands back slowly and start to move away. He stops immediately.

My pit does the same thing she bites me hard but play bites with my husband. What i try to do is associate a sound ( something abrupt and startling) with hurting me. So if she bites me too hard I make that sound and she usually puts her ears down and starts licking my hand.