How to stop your puppy biting you
- Sue Rose, HotDog Training
- Oct 11
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 4
Puppies Biting: Understanding and Addressing the Common Problem
Why Do Puppies Bite?
Puppy biting is a common issue that many new dog owners face. If your pup is biting you, don’t panic. Your puppy is not vicious or aggressive. Almost every puppy will bite at some point. Understanding why your pup is biting is the first step in addressing the behaviour.
Reasons Puppies Bite
There are several reasons why puppies put their teeth on people. It's essential to identify the cause before rushing in with a solution.
It Feels Good!
Puppies explore the world with their mouths. Your hands and feet are warm and squishy, making them appealing targets. If you squeal or make fun noises, it encourages them to bite more. Shoes, slippers, and clothes can also be irresistible to a curious puppy.
Teething
Puppies begin teething around the time you bring them home and continue until they are about nine months old. This process can be uncomfortable, and they often have a strong urge to chew to soothe their sore gums.
Play!
Puppies bite during play. If you've observed your puppy with its littermates, you’ll notice they engage in playful biting to initiate games. Your puppy may not know how to say, "Let’s play!" other than by biting you. Quick movements and squeals can make them think a game has started.
Overhandling
Sometimes, puppies bite because they’ve had enough of being touched. We often handle puppies without considering their comfort. If you don’t recognise their subtle signs of discomfort, they may resort to biting as a way to communicate their need for space.
My Puppy Bites Me Aggressively
If your puppy bites hard and persistently, it may be a sign of frustration. One of the challenges with a new puppy is establishing clear communication. Puppies often try to express their needs—hunger, thirst, boredom, or discomfort—but they lack the ability to communicate these feelings effectively. If they feel ignored, they might resort to biting to get your attention.
What Command Stops a Puppy from Biting?
Instead of asking, "How do I stop my puppy from biting?" consider, "What do I want my puppy to do instead?" Redirecting your puppy to a different behaviour can be effective. For example, asking your puppy to "sit" can prevent them from biting your hand.
Simply yelling or yelping when they bite does not address the underlying reason for the behaviour. In the early days, you may not have taught your puppy many commands, limiting your options for redirecting their actions.
The Secret to Stopping Your Puppy from Biting
Combining the first and fourth reasons—playfulness and the urge to chew—can help you manage biting behaviour effectively.
Redirect the Biting
While it might feel good for your puppy to use your hands and feet as toys, this is not acceptable behaviour. Keep a toy in your pocket and treats in another. When your puppy bites, calmly withdraw your hand and present the toy instead. Engage them in a game with the toy. Over time, your puppy will learn that toys are the appropriate way to play with you.
Satisfy the Chewing Urge
Help your puppy through teething by providing items they can chew. This could be empty cardboard tubes, carrots, or natural chews from pet shops. A good range can be found at JR Products.
Learn Your Puppy’s Cues
It’s crucial to understand what your puppy is trying to communicate. By recognising their body language, you can identify when they’ve had enough of being touched or when they need space. This understanding will help eliminate frustration and reduce biting.
Want to learn how to ask your puppy or small dog if it’s okay to pick them up? Or to show them how to ask to be picked up? Get in touch, and we’ll send you a quick video, absolutely free.
How Do I Discipline a Puppy That’s Biting?
The simple answer is, you don’t. Puppies are still learning about the world. By following the steps outlined above, you won’t need to resort to harsh discipline. If your puppy is overly energetic, redirect them to other activities or take a short break to allow them to calm down. This approach builds a strong partnership based on trust and understanding.
What Age Should a Puppy Stop Biting?
If you implement the strategies mentioned, the biting will gradually decrease and eventually stop. Some puppies learn this in a few weeks, while others may take a bit longer.
From this one topic, it’s clear how much there is to learn as a new puppy owner. HotDog Training is here to support you every step of the way. We offer 1-2-1 puppy sessions, called Flying Start sessions, in your home from day one (or even before your puppy arrives if you want to be super prepared). Not in our area? Don’t worry – we often conduct these sessions via Teams, Zoom, or Facetime. Just drop us a line, and we can talk about your puppy.
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