Why Do Puppies Bite So Much?
Puppies don’t bite just to annoy us—they’ve got reasons! One big reason is teething. Just like babies, puppies lose their baby teeth and grow new ones. Chewing helps their gums feel better.
But there’s more to it. Puppies also explore the world with their mouths. They’ll nibble on shoes, furniture, even your fingers. It’s not because they’re being naughty; they’re just curious.
If you want to learn more about what’s going on inside your pup’s head, check out this guide on training your dog.
Here’s a quick list of why puppies bite:
- Teething pain.
- Boredom or lack of exercise.
- Playing too rough.
The Difference Between Biting and Chewing
Biting and chewing might seem the same, but they’re actually different. Biting usually happens during playtime—like when your puppy grabs your hand or sleeve. Chewing, on the other hand, happens when they’re by themselves.
For example, if your puppy chews up a shoe while you’re at work, that’s boredom or curiosity. But if they sink their teeth into your arm while wrestling, that’s biting. Both need different solutions.
| Behavior | Cause | Solution |
| Biting | Playful energy | Redirect with toys |
| Chewing | Teething or boredom | Provide chew-safe items |
Understanding these differences helps you tackle the problem better.
How to Stop Puppy Biting During Play
Playtime biting can hurt, especially if your puppy hasn’t learned how to be gentle yet. Here’s what you can do:
- Yelp or say “ouch” : This mimics how other puppies react when bitten too hard.
- Stop playing : If they bite, freeze or walk away. They’ll learn biting ends the fun.
- Offer a toy : Redirect their mouth to something safe, like a rope toy.
Interactive toys are great distractions. Brands like Chuckit! make fetch toys that keep pups busy.
Best Chew Toys for Teething Puppies
Not all toys are created equal. Some are too soft and get destroyed in seconds. Others are too hard and could hurt your puppy’s teeth.
Here are some top picks:
- KONG Classic : Tough enough to last, but still chewy. Check it out here .
- Nylabone Puppy Chew : Designed specifically for teething pups.
- Plush Squeaky Toys : Fun for playtime, but supervise closely.
| Type | Best for | Pros | Cons |
| KONG | Heavy chewers | Long-lasting | Can be pricey |
| Plush Toys | Gentle chewers | Fun noises | Easily torn |
| Nylabone | Teething | Safe material | Not for aggressive chewers |
What NOT to Do When Your Puppy Bites
It’s easy to lose patience when your puppy sinks their teeth into your ankle. But yelling or smacking them only makes things worse.
Here’s what NOT to do:
- Don’t hit or yell—it scares them and ruins trust.
- Don’t pull away quickly—if you do, they’ll think it’s a game.
- Don’t give attention mid-bite—even negative attention counts as reinforcement.
Instead, stay calm and redirect their focus. Remember, consistency is everything.
How to Teach “Leave It” and Other Commands
Commands like “leave it” can save your socks from becoming snacks. Here’s how to teach it:
- Hold a treat in one hand and close your fist.
- Say “leave it” and wait until your puppy stops trying to get it.
- Reward them with a different treat from your other hand.
When to Call a Trainer for Help
Most puppies grow out of biting with proper training. But sometimes, you might need extra help.
Signs you should call a trainer:
- Your puppy bites aggressively, even after weeks of training.
- They growl or snap when you take something away.
- You’re feeling overwhelmed and unsure what to do next.
A professional trainer can create a custom plan tailored to your pup’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will my puppy ever stop biting?
A: Yep! Most puppies grow out of it by 6-8 months old.
Q: What if my puppy chews furniture?
A: Use deterrent sprays and provide plenty of chew toys.
Q: Can I use rawhide bones for teething?
A: Nope—they can break apart and cause choking hazards. Stick to safer options like KONG toys.