Puppy biting is one of the most common (and painful!) challenges new dog owners face. Those little teeth are sharp, and puppies seem to love testing them out on fingers, toes, and everything in between. But here’s the good news: with the right training, you can teach your puppy to stop biting and start playing more gently.
This article, which is part of our full guide on how to train a puppy, gives you everything you need to understand why puppies bite and how to train them to stop — without yelling or scolding. Let’s take the bite out of biting!
Why Puppies Bite (And Why It’s Normal)
Biting is a totally natural part of puppy development. Here’s why they do it:
- Teething: Just like human babies, puppies chew to relieve sore gums
- Play behavior: Puppies learn how hard is “too hard” by biting their littermates
- Exploration: Puppies use their mouths to learn about the world
- Attention-seeking: Biting often gets a big reaction from humans
Your job is to gently teach bite inhibition (how to control the force of their bite) and redirect them to appropriate toys.
When to Start Bite Training
Start as early as 8 weeks. The earlier you begin, the faster your puppy learns what’s okay to bite and what’s off-limits.
Consistency is key. Everyone in the household should follow the same rules and techniques.
Step-by-Step: How to Stop Puppy Biting
Step 1: React Like a Puppy Would
When your puppy bites too hard:
- Say “ouch!” in a high-pitched, surprised voice
- Immediately stop playing or interacting
- Wait 10–20 seconds before resuming play
This mimics how littermates teach each other to play nicely.
Step 2: Redirect to a Toy
Right after the “ouch” moment, offer a chew toy or tug toy to redirect the behavior.
Keep toys within arm’s reach during playtime for quick redirection.
Step 3: Use Time-Outs for Repeated Biting
If your puppy keeps biting:
- Calmly remove them from the room or playpen for 30–60 seconds
- No scolding — the goal is to reduce excitement and give them a reset
Repeat this as needed to help your puppy learn that biting ends the fun.
Step 4: Reward Gentle Play
Anytime your puppy licks, chews a toy, or plays gently:
- Offer praise or a treat
- Reinforce the calm, desirable behavior
Use our printable Puppy Biting Reward Tracker to help your family stay consistent.
What Not to Do
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Don’t yell or smack — this can make your puppy fearful or more excited
- Don’t allow biting during rough play — it sends mixed signals
- Don’t assume they’ll grow out of it — training helps prevent long-term habits
Gentle, positive teaching works faster and builds trust.
Teething Tips: Soothing Those Sore Gums
Puppies teethe between 3–7 months old. Here’s how to help:
- Offer frozen carrots or wet washcloths
- Try puppy teething rings or chilled Kongs
- Supervise all chewing to prevent choking
Keep a variety of textures available so your puppy can find what feels good.
Puppy Biting FAQ
Why does my puppy bite me but not others? You may be more interactive or excitable, which triggers biting. Use calm, consistent responses.
Is biting a sign of aggression? In most puppies, no. True aggression is rare at this stage. Playful biting is normal.
My puppy bites ankles and feet when I walk — help! Keep a toy in hand and redirect as you move. Some puppies find movement irresistible!
How long does biting last? Most biting fades by 6 months with consistent training. Some breeds may take a little longer.
Breeds That Tend to Bite More
Some breeds are more mouthy than others, especially working and herding dogs.
Examples:
- Border Collies
- Australian Shepherds
- German Shepherds
- Labradors
- Terriers
These breeds benefit from extra chew toys, structured games, and plenty of mental stimulation.
Advanced Training for Persistent Biters
If your puppy keeps biting beyond 6 months:
- Enroll in a positive reinforcement puppy class
- Increase physical and mental exercise
- Use a tether or drag line to manage jumping/biting in the house
- Consult a certified dog trainer if needed
You’re not failing — some pups just need a little extra support.
Final Tips to Curb Puppy Biting
- Stay calm and consistent
- Reward soft mouths and redirection
- Rotate toys to keep them exciting
- End play if biting starts
Biting is just a phase — and you’re doing the right thing by working through it now!
What to Read Next
With patience, structure, and lots of love, you’ll get through the puppy biting stage — and come out with a gentle, well-mannered dog.
Need extra help? Download our free Biting Troubleshooting Checklist for daily support!