How to stop puppy biting
Anyone who’s ever been bitten by a puppy can tell you that it really hurts! As adorable as puppies are, those sharp little baby teeth can make even the most stoic amongst us scream in pain. They’re called landsharks for a reason!
So what are you supposed to do about it? Puppies are literally babies, and during their critical socialization window, we especially want to avoid hurting or scaring them with a punishment for biting. Are you supposed to just wait it out and endure those tiny razor-blade teeth?
Here’s what you can do to minimize puppy biting and get some relief:
First things first, understand that puppy biting is normal
When you accept that nipping and biting are normal puppy behaviour, it helps you realize your puppy isn’t intentionally trying to hurt you or be a jerk (even if it feels like that sometimes)! Ideally, before bringing home a puppy, people should be prepared for biting and nipping.
When your puppy was still with his litter, he spent a great deal of time playing and wrestling with his brothers and sisters. This involved a lot of biting. Now that he’s with his new human family, he still wants to play and bite. We don’t always find this behaviour acceptable, but that doesn’t make it go away. Which leads me to…
Give your puppy “legal” things to bite and chew
Not only is your puppy still in “play/wrestle mode” from when he was with his litter, he’s teething just like a baby and bites because his mouth hurts. Provide your puppy with plenty of other things he can bite on besides your hands, feet, and clothing - his puppy area should be full of them. Redirect him to these “legal” options as much as possible. To help with teething, keep your freezer stocked with some chew objects your puppy can enjoy cold (like this freezer bone).
Get your puppy into a playgroup
If your puppy has suitable outlets for his natural tendency to bite, he’ll be less likely to bite you! This can be toys and chews, but it can also be age-appropriate playmates. Play with other puppies teaches your puppy good play skills and bite inhibition (as in, how hard is too hard). And just think how much more satisfied and calm your puppy will be after a good play session!
Check Google for playgroups in your area, ideally organized by a certified dog trainer. You can also post in neigbourhood Facebook groups and see if any other puppy parents want to get together for a playdate. Just remember to match the puppies by age, size, and play styles.
Make sure your puppy is getting lots of quality sleep
Think of a baby who’s long overdue for a nap - he may be extra fussy and cranky. Puppies are no exception. Playtime is important, but your puppy should also be getting tons of rest. Enforce scheduled nap times where your puppy is left alone in his area to simply sleep.
Restrict puppy play to blocked-off areas
We’re going to teach your puppy that hard biting > playtime is over. Puppies (like all animals) are really good at learning that one thing predicts another thing. For this training technique to work, only play with your puppy in areas of the house blocked off by baby gates or your puppy’s pen. You’ll need to be able to exit the play session when your puppy gets too rough!
During playtime with your puppy, another hack is to incorporate a large stuffed animal that you can redirect him to whenever he gets too nippy. If your puppy goes for your body or clothes, say the warning cue “Careful, please!” Now your puppy has a choice: stop biting or keep biting.
If he keeps biting, give the “fun is over” cue “Too bad!” Then simply get up and leave the play zone. This is where the baby gates come in handy: your puppy won’t be able to chase after you and continue biting your feet and legs. Take a break from playtime for now and make sure your puppy has something else to bite down on. It’ll take repetition, but your puppy will eventually learn that hard biting leads to the end of fun.
If you find your puppy’s hard biting is getting out of hand during playtime a lot, take a step back and make sure you’ve met his needs:
Are you proving him with plenty of “legal” objects to bite and chew (including frozen ones)?
Is he enjoying some fun playdates with other age-appropriate puppies?
Is your puppy getting enough sleep?
Like other puppy behaviours that can seem like a lot right now, the biting and nipping will pass. Try to be patient and remind yourself that you’re dealing with a baby animal (even when he clamps down on your shoelaces)!
Need help with your new puppy? If you’re in Toronto, I offer private day training for puppies.
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