How to Stop Puppy Biting

Puppy biting. Puppy teeth. Aren`t they special? Little laser sharp needles. Take heart, they will be gone by the time your puppy reaches 5 ½ months of age. If you are reading this article, you are probably looking for strategies to help you get over the hump with all of your skin and clothing intact!

Mouthing and Biting are Normal Puppy Behaviors
Puppies use their teeth and mouths much as we use our hands:

They use their mouths to pick up and carry objects, especially common among retrievers
They use their teeth to instigate play with their siblings
They also grab and hold on to one another during play
Herding breed dogs use nipping as part of their herding behavior
How humans can make it better

Have a supply of appropriate chew toys, such as Dog Toy Ball Squeaky, Rubber Dog Toy, Squeaky Dog Rubber Toy, and Squeaky Pet Ball Toy. Keep them at easy access so your puppy can easily reach them. Do everything you can to keep their mouth directed to these appropriate items.

A common time for puppies to start mouthing is when they are in your lap. I have always had success holding something they like to chew on, like a Squeaky Dog Rubber Toy or a Dog Toy Ball Squeaky, and moving it slightly while they chew on it. At the same time, you can pet the pup with the other hand. Moving the item a bit while they chew is more successful than if you were to simply give it to them to chew on their own. Your interaction with the toy keeps it more interesting for your puppy.

IGNORING puppy biting is always effective if it is possible to do so. Biting is often an attempt to elicit attention and/or play. If you CONSISTENTLY ignore them when they do bite, they will stop. The time to ignore is the instant their mouth is on you. Do not wait until the biting is harder. An effective way to ignore the dog is to put your arms up at your shoulder or chest, out of the line of fire, look away from the dog, become still and silent.