By Jackie Murphy G.Dip ABM / ADAAB (Canine) / MISAP (beh) / MEST (QTLS)/ ABTC-AAB / ABTC-ATI
Ambassador of Great Britain for International Society of Animal Professionals
Getting a new puppy is exciting — until your hands, shoes, furniture, and clothes become chew toys.
Puppy biting and chewing are among the most common problems new dog owners face. The good news is that this behaviour is completely normal and can be improved with the right training, consistency, and patience.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Why puppies bite
- How to stop puppy biting fast
- The biggest mistakes owners make
- The best chew toys for teething puppies
- When puppy biting becomes a serious problem
If you’re struggling with a mouthy puppy, you’re not alone.
Why Puppies Bite So Much
Puppies explore the world with their mouths. Biting, chewing, and nipping are natural developmental behaviours.
Most puppies bite because they are:
- Teething
- Overstimulated
- Tired
- Excited during play
- Seeking attention
- Learning boundaries
Puppies usually begin teething around 3 weeks old and continue until about 6 months of age. During this period, chewing helps relieve discomfort in their gums.
Some breeds are naturally more mouthier than others, especially:
- Labradors
- Golden Retrievers
- German Shepherds
- Border Collies
- Belgian Malinois
Working and herding breeds often use their mouths more during play and interaction.
The Biggest Mistake Puppy Owners Make
One of the most common mistakes is accidentally rewarding biting behaviour.
Many owners:
- Laugh when puppies nip
- Continue rough play
- Use hands as toys
- Give attention after biting
- Even licking can lead to biting
Even negative attention can reinforce the behaviour.
Consistency is critical. Every member of the household must respond the same way to puppy biting.
How to Stop Puppy Biting
1. Redirect to a Toy Immediately
When your puppy bites your hands, clothes, or furniture, calmly redirect them to an appropriate chew toy – look at bigger toys too.
Good options include:
- Rubber chew toys
- Frozen teething toys
- Rope toys
- Puppy-safe chew sticks
Praise your puppy when they chew the correct item.
2. Stop Play When Biting Starts
If biting becomes too rough:
- Stand up
- Remove attention
- Pause play for 20–30 seconds
This teaches your puppy:
biting makes fun stop.
Avoid yelling or physical punishment, which can increase fear and overstimulation.
3. Make Sure Your Puppy Gets Enough Sleep
Overtired puppies often become “bitey sharks.”
Young puppies may need:
- 18–20 hours of sleep daily
If your puppy suddenly becomes wild, zoomy, or extra mouthy, they may simply need rest.
4. Increase Mental Enrichment
Many puppies bite because they are bored.
Try:
- Snuffle mats
- Food puzzles
- Basic training sessions
- Scent games
- Frozen enrichment feeders
Mental stimulation can reduce destructive behaviour significantly.
5. Reward Calm Behaviour
Don’t only focus on correcting bad behaviour.
Reward your puppy when they:
- Lie calmly
- Chew appropriate toys
- Greet people gently
- Relax quietly
Dogs repeat behaviours that earn rewards.
Best Chew Toys for Teething Puppies
The best puppy chew toys are:
- Durable
- Safe
- Appropriate for puppy teeth
- Engaging
Popular options include:
- Rubber enrichment toys
- Frozen washcloths
- Puppy teething rings
- Soft chew toys
- Food-dispensing toys
Always supervise new chew items and avoid anything small enough to swallow.
When Puppy Biting Is NOT Normal
Normal puppy biting is:
- Playful
- Redirectable
- Short-lived
You should contact a professional trainer or veterinarian if your puppy:
- Growls aggressively during handling
- Breaks skin frequently
- Guards toys or food
- Cannot calm down
- Shows fear-based aggression
Early intervention is important.
How Long Does Puppy Biting Last?
Most puppies improve significantly between:
- 4 to 6 months old
Consistency matters more than punishment.
The key is teaching:
- bite inhibition
- impulse control
- calm behaviour
- appropriate chewing habits
Final Thoughts
Puppy biting can feel frustrating, exhausting, and overwhelming — especially for first-time dog owners.
But with patience, structure, sleep, enrichment, and positive reinforcement, most puppies grow out of excessive biting and become well-behaved adult dogs.
Remember:
your puppy is not trying to be “bad.” They’re learning how to interact with the world.
The habits you build now will shape your dog’s behaviour for years to come.