Puppy biting: why it happens and what helps

Almost every puppy bites. Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and nipping is a normal part of puppy play. They are also teething, which goes on until they’re about 6 to 7 months old. And those baby teeth are sharp!

The good news is that biting is a stage. With patience, and the same response from everyone in the family, your puppy can learn to be gentle.

What to do when your puppy bites

1. Offer a toy every time. Keep toys handy, so you can swap your hand for something they’re allowed to chew.
2. If they bite hard, say a sharp “ouch!” and stop the game straight away.
3. Go still for a few seconds. Don’t touch your puppy or look at them.
4. If they keep biting, calmly leave the room for a short time.
5. Start playing again only when your puppy is calm.

Your puppy learns a simple rule: hard bites make the fun stop.

Make biting less likely

• Don’t play rough games with your hands. It teaches your puppy that hands are toys.
• Choose games with toys instead, like fetch, hide and seek, or tug with a rope toy.
• Stop play before it gets too wild.
• Watch for the overtired puppy. Many owners find that a puppy who is biting everything really needs a nap. Pop them in their bed or crate with a chew.
• Make sure everyone in the house, including children, responds the same way.

Help with teething

• Give soft chew toys made for teething puppies.
• Frozen toys or a damp, cold cloth can help soothe sore gums.
• Avoid hard bones and sticks. They can damage growing teeth.

What not to do

Never hit, smack or physically punish your puppy. It can make them more excited, or scared and aggressive.

When to get help

Puppy preschool is a great place to learn gentle play. Talk to your vet or a reward-based trainer if biting is getting worse instead of better, or if you’re worried.