What To Do About Puppy Biting and Mouthing

What To Do About Puppy Biting and Mouthing

“My puppy won’t stop biting me, I’ve tried everything!”
If that sounds familiar, don’t worry. Biting and mouthing are completely normal puppy behaviours. With the right approach, you can guide your pup toward better habits while supporting their development.

Why Does My Puppy Bite Me?

Puppies are essentially babies. They’re new to the world and still learning how to interact with it, and with you. One of the main ways they explore is through their mouths, so nibbling, mouthing, and gentle biting are all part of their natural development.

Before coming home with you, your puppy likely played this way with their littermates and mother. It’s how they learned social skills and boundaries. So while it might be frustrating, this behaviour is entirely normal.

Teething is another big factor. Just like human babies, puppies experience discomfort as their teeth grow in. Chewing and biting help relieve that irritation, which is why they may seem especially mouthy during this stage.

When Do Puppies Stop Biting?

Mouthing and biting usually start very early and are most common during the first few months of life. In most cases, this behaviour begins to decrease naturally between 12 and 20 weeks of age.

Some breeds may be more energetic or mouthy than others, but overall, this phase is temporary. While it can test your patience, it’s a short-lived part of raising a puppy.

It’s important to remember that punishment or scolding won’t help. Puppies don’t yet understand what’s expected of them, they need guidance, not discipline. The goal is to redirect the behaviour, not suppress it harshly.

How To Stop Your Puppy Biting

1. Offer appropriate chew toys
Provide a variety of safe chew toys designed for teething puppies. When your pup starts biting your hands or feet, immediately swap in a toy. Praise them when they choose the toy instead.

2. Remove temptation
Loose clothing like dressing gown cords or shoelaces can be irresistible. Avoid wearing items that encourage your puppy to latch on while they’re still learning.

3. Create a balanced routine
Biting can often be a sign of boredom, hunger, or tiredness. Make sure your puppy:

• Gets appropriate physical and mental stimulation

• Eats small, regular meals

• Has plenty of rest

Overtired puppies, in particular, are more likely to become nippy. Build in regular quiet time so they can settle and sleep.

4. Use short time-outs if needed
If your puppy becomes overly persistent, calmly guide them (using a lightweight lead if necessary) to a quiet, safe space for about 30 seconds. Once they’re calm, let them rejoin you. Consistency is key.

Note: Avoid using their crate for time-outs. Their crate should always feel like a safe, positive space.

What Not To Do

Don’t squeal when they bite
High-pitched reactions can actually encourage the behaviour, as your puppy may think it’s part of the game.

Don’t encourage it, even if it seems cute
What feels harmless now can become a real problem as your puppy grows stronger. Set boundaries from the start.

Don’t shout or punish
Harsh reactions can frighten your puppy and damage your bond. They don’t understand punishment in the way humans do. Focus on teaching and redirecting instead.