Puppy Biting – Why They Do It and How to Help

Reward the calm

If you’ve recently welcomed a puppy into your home, you’ve probably discovered that those tiny teeth are razor sharp! Whether it’s your hands, slippers, or the leg of your dining chair, puppies seem determined to put their mouths on everything. Don’t panic – your pup isn’t auditioning to be the next Jaws. Puppy biting is one of the most common challenges new owners face, and the good news is, with time and training, it’s something your pup will grow out of.

Why Do Puppies Bite?

There are a few reasons behind the chomping:

• Exploration: Puppies use their mouths like babies use their hands – it’s how they learn about the world. (Sadly, they don’t come with oven mitts.)

• Teething: Those baby teeth fall out around 12–16 weeks, and it can be uncomfortable. Chewing helps relieve the pressure – think of it as their version of Bonjela.

• Play: In the litter, pups bite and wrestle with their siblings. Perfectly normal – but when they try the same trick on you, it’s not quite as cute.

• Excitement or frustration: Sometimes biting is simply an overflow of energy. Like toddlers on a sugar rush, but with sharper edges.

What You Can Do

Here are some tried and tested strategies to save your skin (and your sanity):

1. Provide suitable chew toysKeep plenty of safe, interesting toys handy. Bonus tip – rotate them so your pup doesn’t think of them as “the boring old chew stick from Tuesday”.

2. Redirect the biteIf your puppy latches onto your hand, gently move them away and offer a toy instead. Hands are for stroking, not snacking.

3. Teach bite inhibitionWhen play biting gets too hard, give a little “Ouch!” and pause the game. Puppies quickly learn that biting too hard makes the fun stop – and nobody wants playtime cancelled.

4. Avoid rough play with handsWrestling with your hands is like handing your puppy an invite to “Bite Fest 2025”. Use toys instead, so your pup learns the rules of the game.

5. Reward calm behaviourSpot your pup sitting nicely or chewing their toy? That’s your moment to swoop in with praise or a treat. Good choices deserve good rewards.

6. Manage excitementA biting frenzy often follows over-excitement. Keep play sessions short, and make sure your pup gets plenty of rest. (Yes, even when they swear they’re not tired.)

What Not To Do

• Don’t shout or smack – your pup isn’t plotting against you, they’re just learning.

• Don’t expect overnight results – this is a phase, not a quick fix. Think weeks or months, not days.

When to Seek Help

If biting seems excessive, your puppy is drawing blood regularly, or you’re feeling like a human pin cushion, you don’t have to struggle alone. At K9 Solutions, we help new puppy owners with practical, positive training techniques to guide their dogs through this phase. A little support now makes a big difference later.

✨ Remember: puppy biting is a phase, not a flaw. With patience, consistency, and the right guidance, your playful nibbler will soon grow into a polite companion (and your hands will thank you).