How to Deal with Puppy Biting and Teething
Reviewed by Dr. Jena Questen, DVM, CertAqV | Products are chosen at the discretion of the company and do not represent a direct endorsement by the veterinary reviewer.
Your puppy curls up in your lap like an angel. Two seconds later, your ankles are under attack. It feels aggressive, but it’s not. Biting is a normal part of growing up, especially during teething.
Puppies also use their mouths to explore, play, and learn how to control the pressure of their bite. Focus on easing their discomfort and teaching gentle behavior to overcome the shark phase.
How Do Puppies Act When Teething?
Teething usually starts around 3 to 4 weeks. It settles by about 6 to 7 months. During this time, you’ll likely notice the following signs:
- Chewing on almost everything.
- More biting and nipping during play.
- Drooling more than usual.
- Bad breath.
- Red or sore gums.
- Small blood spots on toys.
- Irritable behavior.
Why Do Puppies Bite?
Puppies use their mouths to explore texture, taste, and how things respond. They do this to get familiar with the world around them. Teething is also a common factor. Teeth push through the gums, which can hurt, and biting helps ease that pressure.
Biting is also part of play. Puppies use it to interact and engage. During this time, they start learning how gentle they need to be. This is how they develop bite control.
Sometimes, biting has nothing to do with any of this. Puppies lack self-awareness. When they feel tired or overstimulated, they don’t realize they need a nap or a break. Instead, they start biting.
How to Manage Teething Discomfort?
Teething can make your puppy’s gums sore and sensitive. You can help your puppy feel better with simple, soothing options:
- Cooling Relief: Use a frozen wet washcloth or a frozen KONG (stuffed with peanut butter) to calm sore gums.
- Safe Chew Options: Offer soft rubber toys, nylon bones, or puppy-safe chew sticks that won’t hurt developing teeth.
- Healthy Frozen Treats: Try carrot sticks or apple slices (without seeds) for relief and enrichment.
Always choose items that your puppy can safely chew. If it’s too hard to dent with your fingernail, it’s too hard for their teeth.
What You Should Not Give
Ice cubes may seem helpful, but they are too hard and can damage growing teeth. Hard bones carry the same risk and can lead to cracks or injury.
How Do You Teach Bite Inhibition?
Bite inhibition means teaching your puppy how to control the pressure of their bite. This skill is important. It keeps people safe and helps your puppy interact calmly as they grow.
Redirect Biting to Toys
Keep a toy in your pocket or within close proximity at all times. When they go for your hand or feet, swap in the toy right away. When your puppy chooses the toy, praise them. This helps them understand what to chew.
Use Reverse Time-Outs
When your puppy mouths your hand, remove all attention right away so the behavior doesn’t get rewarded. No eye contact. No touching. Stay quiet and still. This makes it clear that biting stops interaction.
Wait 30-60 seconds for your puppy to settle. Then offer a toy to restart play, or ask for a simple cue like “sit” before giving the toy. This helps them learn what to do instead.
You can use a quick, high-pitched “ouch” to interrupt, but use it carefully. It should stop the behavior, not scare them. If your puppy seems nervous or starts biting more, skip it. In that case, silence and stepping away work better.
How Can You Prevent Overtired “Bitey” Behavior?
Puppies need about 18 to 20 hours of sleep a day, especially when they are young. Without enough rest, they can become hyper, bitey, and harder to manage.
Set a daily routine. Keep playtime short, then let your puppy rest. Plan naps throughout the day so your puppy does not get overtired. Create a quiet space. Use a crate, playpen, or a calm, dim corner. This helps your puppy switch off and relax without distractions.
Zoomies, extra nipping, or sudden bursts of energy often mean your puppy is tired. Step in early and guide them to rest before it gets out of hand.
What Is a Good Daily Routine for Teething/Bitey Puppies?
Puppies need structure. It helps them know when to play, chew, and rest. Start with short training sessions. Use treats and praise them often to make the sessions positive. This builds focus and teaches your puppy what to do instead of biting.
Give your puppy regular chew time. This helps relieve sore gums and reduces the urge to chew on the wrong things. Rotate toys to keep them interested. Avoid wild or rough games. Calm play prevents overstimulation.
Use baby gates or a playpen for breaks. This gives your puppy a safe space to settle down. It also helps them learn how to relax on their own.
What Mistakes Should You Avoid?
Avoid using punishment. Hitting or harsh corrections can scare your puppy. This can lead to fear or even more biting over time. Do not use your hands as toys. Rough-hand play teaches your puppy that biting skin is okay. This habit can stick as they grow.
Avoid pulling your hands away too fast. Quick movements can trigger chasing and biting. Move slowly instead. Do not tease your puppy. Teasing can confuse them and turn biting into a game. It sends mixed signals and slows learning.
Stay consistent in how you respond. Puppies learn through clear patterns. Different responses make it harder for them to understand what is right.
When to Call a Vet?
Some biting is normal, but certain signs need attention. Watch your puppy’s body language closely. If you notice any of these, do not wait. Reach out to a veterinarian or a certified trainer:
- Stiff Posture: Your puppy looks tense or frozen.
- Deep Growling or Snarling: Not playful, may signal fear or aggression.
- Escalating Behavior: Biting gets more intense or frequent over time.
- Biting That Causes Pain or Injury: Breaks skin or leaves marks.
- Signs of Fear or Stress: Cowering, trembling, or trying to hide.
- Biting Paired With Tension: Holding on, shaking, or not letting go.
- Behavior Not Improving: Training and redirection are not working.
Recap: Quick Do’s and Don’ts
|
Do |
Don’t |
|
Offer safe chew toys (rubber, nylon, chew sticks) |
Give hard items (ice cubes, hard bones) |
|
Use cooling relief (frozen washcloth, stuffed KONG, treats) |
Use punishment (hitting or harsh corrections) |
|
Redirect to a toy |
Use your hands as toys |
|
Praise when your puppy chews the right item |
Tease your puppy |
|
Remove attention when biting starts (reverse time-outs) |
Pull your hands away quickly |
|
Follow a routine (short play, then rest) |
Ignore rest needs |
It Gets Better (Really)
Puppy biting is normal and temporary, even if it feels overwhelming right now. Your puppy is learning, teething, and figuring out how to use their mouth.
Focus on comfort, training, and consistency. Soothe sore gums, teach gentle behavior, and respond the same way each time. With patience, your puppy will understand and settle into better habits.
One Bite Answers to All Your Questions
Is puppy biting normal during teething?
Yes, it’s completely normal because teething makes their gums sore, and biting helps relieve that pain.
Why does my puppy bite so much?
Puppies bite to explore, play, relieve teething pain, or because they are tired or overstimulated.
How can I stop my puppy from biting my hands and feet?
Redirect to a toy, remove attention when biting starts, and stay consistent every time.
What helps relieve puppy teething pain?
Cold items like frozen stuffed KONGs, washcloths, and safe chew toys.
When should I be concerned about my puppy’s biting?
Be concerned if the biting is intense, causes injury, or comes with growling, stiffness, or fear.
How do I calm an overly bitey puppy?
Guide them to rest, offer a chew toy, and reduce stimulation so they can settle down.