"How do I stop my puppy from biting me?" If I had to guess, this is probably the most common question I hear from puppy owners in my classes.
Now, don’t get me wrong—puppy teeth are small, but they are razor sharp. It’s like having a tiny, adorable shark circling your ankles, looking for an opportunity to chomp down. I remember a young couple whose adorable pup would pounce on them at the bottom of their stairs each day—it was cute at first, but quickly became a real problem!
The puppy mouthing period can really test the owner-dog bond early on. One moment, you’re best friends—then suddenly, you aren't sure if you want to put your fingers near them again. It’s a real trial by fire (or, more accurately, by teeth) that challenges your patience, communication, and ability to stay calm when your pup thinks your arm is a chew toy.
But here’s the good news: this stage is also an opportunity. If handled the right way, it helps build trust, set clear boundaries, and teach your puppy that their love language should not involve their teeth. I’ve helped countless owners navigate this phase, and I promise—it does get better!
Why Puppies Bite Everything
Exploration & Play
Every puppy I’ve worked with uses their mouth to explore—it’s like their version of touching and grabbing. And while that’s adorable when they’re nibbling on a stuffed toy, it’s a little less fun when they’re chomping on your fingers.
Teething Discomfort
At around 12-16 weeks, puppies hit the teething stage, and let me tell you—if they could talk, they’d be begging for some relief. I’ve had clients tell me, “They chew EVERYTHING!” and they’re not exaggerating. Fingers, chair legs, remote controls—you name it.
Attention-Seeking
Some puppies are tiny, furry masterminds of mischief. They figure out that biting your hands, clothes, or ankles gets a reaction—any reaction. Even if you say, “No! Stop that!”, guess what? To them, that’s attention! Many clients and especially children unintentionally encourage biting by giving too much of a reaction.
Excitement & Overstimulation
You know that moment when your puppy goes from playful to absolute zoomies mode? Yeah, that’s prime-time biting territory. When puppies get too amped up, they sometimes lose all impulse control, and suddenly your hands, feet, or even your sleeves become the most exciting chew toy they’ve ever seen.
Overtiredness
Believe it or not, puppies bite more when they’re overtired. I’ve worked with so many owners who say, “It’s like my puppy gets crazier the more tired they are!” And that’s because, just like toddlers, puppies struggle to settle themselves when they’re past their limit. Cranky puppy = bitey puppy.
Discomfort (Handling, Harnesses, Rough Play, etc.)
Ever had a puppy chomp you mid-harnessing? That’s their way of saying, “I don’t love this.” Whether it’s an uncomfortable harness, being picked up unexpectedly, or an enthusiastic child giving them a bit too much love, puppies sometimes mouth as a way to express discomfort. Teaching gentle handling and positive associations can make all the difference.
How to Stop Your Puppy from Biting
Predict and Prevent Mouthing Before It Starts
One of the best ways to manage puppy mouthing is to predict it before it happens. Puppies often have patterns—you might notice that they get mouthier when they’re excited, overtired, or transitioning between activities.
Morning nibbles? Make sure you (or the kids) have a toy in hand as you greet them in the morning.
Visitors? A baby-gate is simple and effective. Otherwise, why not teach your pup that visitors equal a few treats into their bed?
If you can, get ahead of it before the biting starts. Recognizing these patterns early on helps you set your puppy up for success.
Redirect Biting with a Toy
If your puppy goes for your hand, don’t panic—just calmly swap in a toy like you totally planned it. Crisis averted. The bottom line—your pup needs to chew—it’s like a universal puppy law. So, make sure they have a variety of safe, fun chew toys.
I always recommend trying out different textures—soft rubber, rope, natural chews—until you find the winner. Pro tip: if it smells a little funky, they’ll probably love it.
During Play? Freeze & Withdraw Attention
If your puppy bites too hard during play, pull your arms away and pause play. Less is more here, so try to keep it low-key (no loud noises, unless you plan on becoming your pup’s new favorite squeaky toy). After 5-10 seconds, grab a toy and get back into it. Teeth = play pauses. They catch on fast with a little consistency.
Know When to Switch to a Calming Activity
If mouthing starts escalating during play, it's a clear signal that your pup is getting overstimulated. This is the perfect time to switch gears and introduce a calming activity like sniffing, licking, or gentle chewing.
Think of it as a puppy 'cool-down'—helping them shift from hyper mode to a more relaxed state before things get out of hand (literally). My go-to: a pile of toys with a few treats scattered over it.
Encourage Calmness with Enrichment Activities
A tired puppy is a well-behaved puppy. Mental stimulation—snuffle mats, puzzle toys, frozen treats—works wonders at keeping their little teeth occupied in a way that doesn’t involve your furniture.
Provide Cooling Relief for Teething
Teething is no joke. A frozen cloth or a chilled carrot can be a game-changer. I once knew a pup who preferred frozen apple slices—whatever works!
Use Longer Toys for Play
Want to keep your fingers safe? Use a flirt pole or a long tug toy. That way, they can go full-speed puppy mode while your hands stay bite-free. This is my absolute go-to for kids and bouncy pups!
Take Play Breaks to Avoid Overstimulation
If your pup goes from playful to bitey in the blink of an eye, hit the pause button. Give them a moment to reset before jumping back into play. This could be a quick run around the garden or an enrichment break.
Be Consistent & Patient
If one person allows mouthing and another doesn’t, your puppy will be as confused as someone trying to assemble IKEA furniture without instructions. Stick to one game plan and make sure everyone else does too.
Need Extra Help? Join a Dog and Yogi Class!
Training a puppy can feel like wrangling a tiny tornado, but I’ve got you covered! My Dog and Yogi training classes use positive reinforcement techniques to help puppies (and their humans) learn the skills they need for a happy life together.
Join a class today and let’s turn your little monster into a well-mannered pup!
What’s your biggest challenge with puppy mouthing? Drop a comment below—I’d love to help!
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