Stop Puppy Biting
Puppy biting is normal — puppies explore with their mouths and need to learn bite inhibition. Without intervention, those cute nips become painful adult bites. The goal isn't to stop mouthing entirely (impossible!), but to teach them how hard is too hard and to redirect to appropriate biting targets.
🎯 Training Approach
Yelp and Stop
When they bite too hard, make a sharp "OW!" and immediately stop play for 30 seconds. Return and continue. They learn: hard biting ends the fun.
Redirect to Toys
When they mouth hands, replace hands with an appropriate toy. Always have toys accessible during play. Praise biting the toy.
Manage Overtiredness
Puppies who aren't getting enough sleep often become bitey terrors. Force naps. An "enforced nap" in the crate can reset a mouthy puppy.
Never Use Hands as Toys
If you wrestle with your hands, you're teaching them hands are for biting. All play should involve toys that put distance between hands and teeth.
💡 Key Training Tips
Yelp and stop play when biting is too hard
Redirect to appropriate chew toys
Ensure puppy is getting enough sleep (overtired puppies bite more)
Never use hands as toys
Frozen washcloths help with teething pain
⚠️Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌Physical punishment (creates fear, makes aggression worse)
- ❌Wrestling/roughhousing with hands (teaches hands are toys)
- ❌Not providing enough chew outlets
- ❌Ignoring that puppies need more sleep than you think (16-18 hours/day)
- ❌Expecting immediate results
✅Signs of Progress
- ✓Your dog responds faster to cues
- ✓They offer the behavior without being asked
- ✓Less frustration for both of you
- ✓The behavior generalizes to new environments
Frequently Asked Questions
Is puppy biting normal?▼
My puppy bites more at certain times. Why?▼
How is puppy biting different from aggression?▼
When does puppy biting naturally decrease?▼
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