Puppy Biting and Teething: What's Normal and How to Stop the Nips

Why Puppies Bite

Puppies explore with their mouths and play by nipping, just as they do with littermates. Between about 12 and 24 weeks they also lose baby teeth, which makes gums sore and chewing irresistible. Biting is normal, but it needs gentle guidance so your puppy learns to control their mouth.

Teach Bite Inhibition

• When teeth touch skin, say "ouch" in a calm voice and pause play.
• Resume after a few seconds when your puppy settles.
• If biting continues, end the game for a short time-out.
• Reward gentle mouthing with praise and attention.

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Offer the Right Things to Chew

Provide a variety of puppy-safe chew toys, including soft rubber and textured toys. Chilled toys can soothe sore gums. Keep a toy in your hand during play so your puppy has something appropriate to bite instead of your fingers.

Meet Their Energy Needs

An overtired or understimulated puppy bites more. Make sure your puppy gets short play sessions, training, and plenty of naps. Many puppies bite most in the evening, which is often called the "witching hour."

Puppy Chew Toy Checklist

• Soft rubber toys that can be chilled in the fridge
• Textured teething rings for sore gums
• Rope toys for supervised tugging
• Plush toys only with supervision, since puppies can rip them apart

Rotate toys daily, wash them regularly, and replace anything cracked or torn. Make sure each toy is large enough that your puppy cannot swallow it.

Common Mistakes

• Roughhousing with hands: teaches that skin is a toy.
• Yelling or hitting: can create fear.
• Giving random objects to chew: use toys made for puppies.
• Ignoring naps: puppies need 18 to 20 hours of sleep a day.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does puppy biting stop?

Teething usually finishes by about six months, but good habits need steady training.

Is my puppy aggressive?

Playful biting is normal. Contact a trainer if your puppy growls, stiffens, or bites hard when handled.

Should I use bitter spray on my hands?

It is better to redirect to toys and manage play.

Quick Takeaways

Redirect biting, stop play when teeth touch skin, and provide lots of safe chews. It passes with consistent training.

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