Puppy teething and biting can feel like an endless battle of sharp little teeth against your hands, clothes, and furniture. If your puppy seems determined to turn you into their personal chew toy, don’t worry it’s all part of their development. Understanding why puppies bite, how to manage it, and the best ways to ease teething discomfort will help you get through this phase with minimal damage to your hands and sanity.
Puppies use their mouths to explore the world, much like human babies. Biting is a natural part of their play, communication, and learning process. It starts when they’re with their littermates bite each other during play, and this helps them understand boundaries. When they come home with you, they don’t automatically know that human skin isn’t a chew toy, so it’s up to us to teach them appropriate behaviour.
Teething usually starts around three to four months old and continues until about six to eight months when all their adult teeth have come through. During this time, their gums can be sore, and they’ll instinctively chew to relieve discomfort. This is why they seek out anything and everything to sink their teeth into including your hands, furniture, shoes, or even your phone charger if left unattended.
The key to stopping excessive biting is teaching them what they can and can’t bite. One of the best ways to do this is through redirection. If your puppy starts gnawing on your hands or clothes, immediately offer them something appropriate to chew on like a puppy-safe chew toy, frozen carrot, or suitable teething toy or even better a natural chew. The more consistently you do this, the quicker they’ll learn what’s acceptable.
Another important factor is staying calm. If you pull your hand away quickly, yelp, or react dramatically, you might accidentally turn biting into a fun game. Instead, remove your hand gently and disengage. If your puppy continues biting, pause playtime for a moment to help them settle down.
Providing the right teething relief is key. Just like human babies, puppies need something soothing for their sore gums. Try:
Frozen chew toys – Chilling a rubber toy like a KONG helps reduce inflammation and provides long-lasting relief.
Frozen carrots or cucumbers – Safe, natural, and great for soothing gums. Plus, they’re a tasty snack!
Puppy teething sticks – Specifically designed to be gentle on sensitive gums while satisfying the urge to chew.
Biting can also be a sign that your puppy is overtired or overstimulated. Puppies need a surprising amount of sleep, often between 16 and 20 hours per day. If your puppy gets bitey and hyper, they might need a nap rather than more playtime. Providing a quiet space and encouraging rest can help prevent overtired biting frenzies.
If your puppy is particularly persistent, teaching a "swap" or "leave it" command can be helpful. Encourage them to swap whatever they’re biting for a more appropriate item, and reward them when they make the right choice. Reinforcing good behaviour with praise and treats helps them learn faster than simply telling them off for biting.
One thing to avoid is punishing or scaring your puppy for biting. Harsh corrections, shouting, or physically pushing them away can make them fearful or even encourage more biting as a stress response. Instead, focus on reinforcing calm behaviour and offering positive alternatives.
For puppies who seem extra mouthy, ensuring they get enough mental and physical stimulation is key. Chewing and biting can sometimes be a sign of boredom, so activities like food puzzles and training games can help redirect their energy in a positive way.
If your puppy’s biting seems overly aggressive, intense, or doesn’t improve despite consistent training, it may be worth consulting a qualified dog trainer or behaviourist. Some puppies struggle with impulse control or frustration tolerance, and professional guidance can make all the difference.
While this stage can feel never-ending, the good news is that with patience, consistency, and the right approach, your puppy will grow out of excessive biting. Teaching them early on what’s appropriate to chew and giving them the tools to manage their teething discomfort will set them up for a lifetime of good behaviour.
If you need help with puppy training, bite inhibition, or managing teething, get in touch. Every puppy is different, and I can help you find the best strategies for your little land shark!
Comentários