Most puppies go through a biting phase, and while this behavior is natural and normal, those tiny teeth can really hurt! The best way to reduce puppy biting is to focus on meeting your pup’s needs (as detailed below). This will result in much less puppy biting and other problem behaviors. That along with using smart management will help you sail through this challenging phase.
Using punishment in an attempt to reduce puppy biting is NOT recommended. Studies show that punishment results in an increased likelihood of fear-biting later in life. It also has the potential to create fear and distrust, shut down your pup’s attempts to communicate to you and set you up for handling issues. Puppy biting is a temporary phase. But, how it’s handled can shape your dog’s behavior for life.
The best plan is to meet your pup’s needs in these key areas and you’ll find that overall behavior, including biting, will dramatically improve:
√ Physical Exercise
Puppies need a balance of high-stimulation and low-stimulation exercise. High-stimulation activities like fetch, play, and chase can help burn energy, but for some puppies, they can also lead to overexcitement and increased biting. So, be sure to add in plenty of low-stimulation activities, such as sniff walks and hikes. These activities are both mentally and physically satisfying and result in a calmer pup. Too much intense physical activity can be harmful to young pups. Consult your vet for guidelines.
√ Mental Exercise
Mental exercise (also known as enrichment) includes activities that satisfy your puppy’s natural instincts, the things they would do if left to their own devices. Examples include exploring new smells, searching for treats, chewing, licking food from a toy, and safely shredding boxes or toys. Positive training is also excellent mental exercise. When enrichment is safe and appropriate, it helps your puppy feel fulfilled and ready to relax.
√ Hungry or Teething
Most pups can should remain on three meals a day until at least 4-6 months of age. Feeding just two meals to a younger pup will result in an extra bitey, “hangry” puppy. Teething pain is another big driver of puppy biting. Pups will have gotten all of their adult teeth by about seven months of age. But they will often continue to experience some level of teething pain for a couple months after that. Be sure puppies under a year old have access to plenty of safe, tasty chews to soothe sore gums. Cold chews, like a stuffed and frozen Toppl can be especially helpful.
√ Over-Tired or Over-Aroused
If your puppy crashes into a deep sleep after a biting episode, they were likely over-tired and lacked the ability to play appropriately. Similarly, when play becomes too intense, puppies can become over-aroused and lose impulse control. In both cases, help your puppy settle and rest using management tools such as leashing or tethering them away from the family, or providing a playpen or crate. If they’re not ready to sleep right away, offer calming enrichment.
√ Defensive Biting
Sometimes what looks like playful biting is actually defensive biting. Your puppy may be trying to communicate discomfort. They might want you to stop petting them, change how you’re playing, or back away from a valued item. Watch for early signs of stress, such as freezing, turning away, or avoiding contact. Because defensive biting can escalate without guidance, it’s important to contact a qualified professional trainer for a tailored training plan.
What to Do in the Moment
Even after covering all of the bases of meeting your pup’s needs, there will still likely be some level of biting. Know that it’s temporary and your pup will outgrow it. In the moment that your pup is biting, you have two good options for what to do in the moment:
#1 Remove either yourself or him by using smart management to limit their freedom, tools like playpens and gates will help you get through this period.
#2 Redirect your pup to a toy. A squeaky toy that is “hopping” away from them is typically more enticing than your skin.
A qualified trainer can help custom tailor a plan for you and your pup. A handy infographic version of this information is available at www.whatagreatdog.com/puppy-biting.
Remember, while puppy biting is temporary, your relationship with your dog is lifelong. A good strategy and a little compassion goes a long way in getting through this often challenging phase in your pup’s development.
