How to stop puppy biting
Puppy biting is normal, and it does get better. Here's how to teach a soft mouth without frightening your puppy.
By Pawfessor Editorial TeamPublished 1 min read
If your arms look like you’ve been gardening in a rose bush, you’re not alone. Puppy biting is one of the most common reasons new owners feel overwhelmed. The good news: it’s normal, it’s temporary, and you can make it much better with a few consistent habits.
Why puppies bite
Puppies explore the world with their mouths, the way babies use their hands. They also bite because:
- They’re playing. Puppies wrestle and mouth each other all day. Your hands are just slow, tasty littermates.
- They’re teething. Adult teeth push through between roughly 3 and 6 months, and chewing helps.
- They’re tired. An overtired puppy gets bitey, the canine version of a toddler meltdown. Many puppies need 18 to 20 hours of sleep a day.
- It works. If biting makes you squeal, wave your hands and run, that’s the best game ever.
With littermates, a bite that’s too hard ends the game. That’s how puppies learn bite inhibition: a soft mouth. Your job is to keep teaching that lesson.
Frequently asked questions
At what age do puppies stop biting?
Most puppies mouth much less once their adult teeth are in, often by around 6 or 7 months. With consistent practice, the hard biting usually eases well before that.
Is it OK to yelp when my puppy bites?
It works for some puppies and makes others more excited. If yelping winds your puppy up, skip it and simply pause the game instead.
Should I tap my puppy's nose or hold its mouth shut?
No. Physical punishment can make puppies fearful of hands or turn biting into a rougher game. It doesn't teach them what to do instead.
When is puppy biting a problem?
If biting comes with stiffness, growling or a fixed stare, happens when your puppy is handled or guarding something, or breaks skin often, talk to your vet and a qualified behaviorist.
Sources and further reading
- (2021). Position Statement on Humane Dog Training. American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB).
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