How can I stop my puppy from biting?

Are you at your wit's end with your new puppy biting you?

One of the most common things puppy owners contact me about in the early stages is biting and, let's be honest, it hurts!

In this blog I'll cover why puppies bite, how best to address it in the moment, and what you can do to prevent it. So read on!

Why do puppies bite?

The first thing to understand is that puppy biting is completely normal. Puppies aren't being naughty or trying to dominate you. They're simply learning about the world and developing important skills.

There are three main reasons puppies bite:

Teething

Just like human babies, puppies go through a teething phase. As their adult teeth come through, they can experience discomfort and soreness. Nibbling and chewing help to relieve that discomfort.

Exploring with their mouth

Puppies use their mouths to investigate the world around them. They gather information by picking things up, chewing them and, unfortunately for us, sometimes using our hands and feet as test subjects!

Excitement or overtiredness

Many puppies become particularly bitey when they're over-excited or overtired. Just like an overtired toddler having a meltdown, puppies can struggle to regulate themselves and often fall back on behaviours they've practised a lot, including biting.

How can I stop my puppy biting?

The first step is to work out why your puppy is biting. Once you understand the cause, it's much easier to help them.

If they're teething

Give them something appropriate to chew and redirect them onto it.

Suitable options include:

• Puppy-safe chew toys

• Frozen enrichment toys

• Long-lasting natural chews

• Filled Kongs

If you're looking for puppy-friendly chews, take a look at our puppy chew packs, which are designed to help with both teething and settling.

If they're over-excited or overtired

Keep still.

As difficult as it can be when sharp puppy teeth are involved, try not to:

• Pull away quickly

• Wave your hands around

• Scream

• Laugh

• Giggle

• Turn it into a game

Any movement can make you even more interesting and encourage more biting.

Instead:

• Stand still

• Turn away

• Calmly move away

• Leave the room if necessary

Then focus on helping your puppy settle.

A long-lasting chew, enrichment toy or stuffed Kong in their crate or puppy pen can help them decompress and encourage rest. Many puppies simply need more sleep than their owners realise.

If they're exploring with their mouth

Redirect them onto something more appropriate.

Keep toys easily accessible around the house so you can quickly swap your hand, sleeve or trouser leg for something they're actually allowed to chew.

What NOT to do when your puppy's biting

Don't punish your puppy.

They're not being naughty. They're learning.

Rather than focusing on what you don't want, focus on teaching and rewarding the behaviours you do want to see.

Avoid:

• Shouting

• Physical punishment

• Holding their mouth shut

• Tapping them on the nose

• Alpha rolls or dominance-based techniques

• Pulling away suddenly

• Screaming or squealing

Simply removing your attention by standing up, turning away or walking away is usually enough information for your puppy.

The more consistently you reward calm behaviour, appropriate chewing and good choices, the faster your puppy will learn.

How long does puppy biting last?

Forever!

I'm joking, but it can certainly feel like it at the time.

For most puppies, biting and mouthing start to naturally reduce once their adult teeth have come through. This is usually around seven months of age.

If biting continues beyond this point, it's worth looking at what's driving it. Common causes include:

• Overtiredness

• Overstimulation

• Lack of appropriate outlets for chewing

• A habit that's been unintentionally reinforced

With the right support, these issues can usually be addressed through training and management.

How do you discipline a puppy for biting?

You don't.

Dogs learn best when they're rewarded for behaviours we want to see more of.

Rather than trying to punish biting, focus on making biting less likely in the first place by:

• Providing appropriate chews

• Encouraging rest

• Preventing overstimulation

• Rewarding calm behaviour

• Teaching your puppy what to do instead

This approach is not only kinder, it's usually far more effective.

Why is my puppy biting me aggressively and growling?

In most cases, it's unlikely to be aggression.

To understand what's happening, you need to look at the whole dog, not just the growl.

Ask yourself:

• Is their body loose and wiggly?

• Are they bouncing around and trying to engage with you?

• Do they look playful?

Dogs often growl during play, particularly puppies who are excited and having fun.

If, however, your puppy appears stiff, tense or uncomfortable, it's worth taking a closer look at what's happening and seeking professional support if needed.

Want to learn more about growling? Read my blog here:

👉 Why Does My Dog Growl at Me? Understanding Growling in Dogs

Puppy won't stop biting my clothes

This is usually happening for one of two reasons:

• They're getting relief from teething discomfort

• They find the movement of the fabric exciting

If teething is the cause, redirect them onto an appropriate chew.

If they're targeting clothing because it moves, make life easier for everyone:

• Avoid loose, flowing clothing for a while

• Tuck in hoodie strings

• Keep dressing gown belts out of reach

• Remove temptation wherever possible

Management isn't cheating. Sometimes the easiest route to success is preventing rehearsal of the behaviour in the first place.

Why does my puppy only bite me?

This is a question I hear a lot.

Often, puppies target one person more because that person's reactions are more rewarding.

You might:

• Move your feet away quickly

• Laugh

• Squeal

• Engage with them more

From your puppy's perspective, that's all part of the game.

Puppies also commonly bite their primary caregiver more simply because they spend the most time with them. You're usually the one feeding them, playing with them, training them and generally being around when they're awake.

What month is hardest with a puppy?

Honestly, it depends on the puppy.

Many owners find the first few months the most challenging because they're juggling:

• Toilet training

• Teething

• Night-time toilet trips

• Puppy biting

• The evening "witching hour"

• Constant supervision

You're watching them like a hawk in case they're about to wee on the rug while simultaneously trying to keep your fingers and toes intact.

At the same time, it's often when your bond is growing the fastest. Your puppy is learning that they're safe with you in their forever home, which is a pretty special thing.

Other owners find adolescence harder.

Between six and ten months of age, many puppies appear to "forget" everything you've taught them. In reality, hormones are changing, emotions are running high and they're finding life a bit more complicated.

Much like human teenagers, they need patience, understanding and guidance to help them through it.

Need extra support with your puppy?

If you're struggling with puppy biting, settling, socialisation or simply knowing what's normal, my bespoke 1:1 puppy training packages can help.

👉 Explore my 1:1 Puppy Training Packages

You'll receive personalised support tailored to your puppy, your lifestyle and the challenges you're facing, so you can enjoy puppyhood rather than just survive it.

Looking for suitable puppy chews?

Appropriate chewing outlets can make a huge difference during teething and help many puppies settle more easily.

👉 Browse our Puppy Chew Packs

They're packed with natural chews chosen specifically with young puppies in mind.