How to Stop your Puppy from Biting
Blog post description.Puppy biting is a common phase that many new dog owners face. While it’s normal for puppies to explore their world with their mouths, it’s important to teach them that biting is not acceptable behavior. Here are some helpful tips to stop your puppy from biting and ensure they grow into a well-mannered adult dog.
1/14/20252 min read
1. Teach Bite Inhibition
Puppies naturally learn bite inhibition from their littermates. If one puppy bites too hard, the other will yelp and stop playing, teaching the biter that rough play isn’t okay. You can mimic this behavior:
What to do if your puppy bites you:
Immediately make a loud yelp, "ouch," or a high-pitched sound to signal that they hurt you.
Hold the area they bit (even if it doesn't hurt much) and turn away from them, ignoring them for a few seconds.
If your puppy looks confused or pauses, it’s a sign they’re learning and understanding the concept.
Repeat this consistently, and over time, your puppy will learn to moderate their biting.
2. Redirect Their Attention
Puppies bite because they’re teething or exploring. Provide them with appropriate outlets for chewing, such as toys or teething chews. When they start nipping at you, immediately offer a toy to redirect their focus. Praise them enthusiastically when they chew on the toy instead of your hands.
3. Avoid Rough Play
Roughhousing can encourage your puppy to see biting as a game. If you engage in high-energy play, make sure it involves toys rather than your hands or feet.
4. Use Positive Reinforcement
Reward your puppy for calm, gentle behavior. For example:
Praise them when they lick your hand instead of nipping.
Offer treats when they respond well to redirection or play appropriately.
Positive reinforcement helps your puppy associate good behavior with rewards, making them more likely to repeat it.
5. Stay Consistent!
Everyone in your household should follow the same rules and training techniques to prevent confusion. If one person allows play biting while another discourages it, your puppy will struggle to learn the proper behavior.
6. Provide Plenty of Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Puppies often bite because they’re bored or have excess energy. Make sure your puppy gets enough physical exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day. Activities like walks, puzzle toys, and training sessions can help tire them out and reduce nipping.
7. Be Patient
Remember, puppies don’t outgrow biting overnight. With consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement, they will eventually learn that biting isn’t acceptable.
If your puppy’s biting persists or becomes aggressive, seeking professional help is always a good idea. At Kyle the Dog Walker and Trainer, we specialize in in-home behavior modification training. We offer free consultations to help you and your furry friend get off to the right start. Contact us today to set up a session!
By following these tips, you’ll help your puppy grow into a well-behaved companion. Remember, the key to stopping biting is consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement. Happy training!