Ouch! What to Do When Your Puppy Keeps Biting
Ouch! What to Do When Your Puppy Keeps Biting
Teeth like needles and no sense of boundaries? Yep, you're officially in the puppy biting stage. While those little nips may seem harmless at first, constant biting can get frustrating fast. The good news is that this phase is completely normal and, with a little patience, can be managed. If you're feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. These helpful tips and tricks, brought to you by Pet Express Boston, will guide you through this stage without losing your mind or your favorite socks.
Why Puppies Bite
Puppy biting isn’t about aggression. Most of the time, it’s about teething, curiosity, and learning. Puppies explore the world with their mouths, just like human babies. They bite when they’re playing, when their gums hurt, or when they don’t yet understand what’s too rough. You're new puppy likely spent their first few weeks play-fighting with littermates, which is how puppies begin learning bite control. Once they’re home with you, it’s your turn to teach them what’s okay and what’s not.
Tip #1: Redirect the Bite
One of the most effective ways to stop biting is redirection. Keep dog toys nearby at all times and offer one anytime your puppy goes in for your fingers, toes, or clothes. Soft chew toys, rubber bones, or braided rope toys work well for teething relief and focus their attention elsewhere. When your puppy bites you, stay calm and immediately hand them the toy. Do this consistently so they start to understand what is appropriate to chew.
Tip #2: Use a Firm, Calm “Ouch”
Puppies respond to tone and social cues. If they nip you too hard, let out a calm but firm “ouch” and pull your hand away. This mimics how another puppy would yelp in play and teaches them they went too far. Avoid yelling or overreacting, as this can excite or scare your puppy instead of teaching them. Think of this as communication, not punishment.
Tip #3: Take a Break
Sometimes, biting is your puppy’s way of saying they’re overstimulated or overtired. If you’ve tried redirection and vocal cues but the biting continues, it may be time for a short time-out. Simply walk away or place your puppy in a safe, quiet space for a minute or two. This gives them a chance to reset and learn that biting leads to lost playtime.
Tip #4: Encourage Gentle Play
Reward calm and gentle behavior with praise, pets, or treats. When your puppy plays nicely without biting, give them your full attention. The more you reinforce the good moments, the quicker they’ll catch on. Positive reinforcement builds trust and helps that bond grow stronger.
Tip #5: Stay Consistent
Biting won’t stop overnight. The key is staying consistent. Everyone in your household should use the same commands, tone, and redirection strategies. If one person allows biting and another corrects it, your puppy will get mixed signals and stay confused. Stick with the plan, and you’ll start seeing progress.
Puppy biting can be painful, annoying, and even a little concerning at times. But with patience and the right tools, your nippy pup will grow into a well-mannered companion. At Pet Express Boston, we understand that raising a puppy takes work, but it’s worth every moment. Whether you're just beginning the journey or knee-deep in teething troubles, staying calm, consistent, and compassionate is the best way forward. The biting stage doesn’t last forever, and with your guidance, your puppy will learn exactly how to behave.