Puppy mouthing behaviour can be frustrating—but it’s also a totally natural part of puppyhood. If you’ve found yourself Googling how do I stop my puppy biting?, you’re not alone. This guide will help you understand what’s going on and how to support your puppy with gentle, reward-based strategies.
Why Do Puppies Bite?
Understanding the why behind puppy mouthing behaviour is the first step to curbing it. Here are the main reasons:
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Teething: Just like human babies, puppies experience sore gums and growing pains. Biting and chewing helps ease that discomfort.
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Exploration: Puppies use their mouths to explore the world. It’s how they learn about different textures, objects, and even people.
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Play and Attention: Sometimes, biting is just playful energy or a way to grab your attention—especially if it’s worked before!
A Quick Guide to Puppy Teething
Teething typically peaks between 12 to 16 weeks. During this time, you might notice:
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Chewing everything
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Swollen or bleeding gums
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Excess drooling
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Increased mouthiness
By six to seven months, most puppies have their full set of adult teeth (42 total!).
Safe Chews to Help Your Puppy Self-Soothe
Providing appropriate things to chew is key to soothing their gums and preventing destruction:
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Frozen carrots – Great for sore gums and completely edible.
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Trachea chews – Softer and rich in glucosamine.
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Bully sticks – Long-lasting and high-value.
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Rawhide – Choose natural, digestible options and supervise always.
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Rubber toys (like KONGs) – Freeze with soft food for extra relief.
⚡ Always supervise chewing sessions and remove any small or broken parts.
How to Stop Your Puppy from Biting Positively
1. Redirect the Biting
When teeth meet skin, gently redirect your puppy to a chew toy. Keep toys handy around the house for quick swaps.
2. Reinforce Calm Behaviour
Reward your pup with treats, praise, or affection when they interact gently. If biting starts, ignore it calmly by standing still or walking away. No attention = no reward!
3. Manage Excitement Levels
Overexcited puppies tend to bite more. Keep playtimes short and calm. If your puppy is amped up, take a short break before resuming play.
4. Socialise Thoughtfully
Safe, positive interactions at puppy classes help your dog learn boundaries. Gradual exposure to different people, pets, and places also boosts confidence.
5. Be Consistent
Everyone in the household should respond to biting the same way. Consistency builds clarity and trust.
What to Avoid
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No punishment: Shouting or tapping teaches fear, not manners.
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No rough play: Wrestling or chasing games can send mixed signals.
When to Seek Help
If your puppy’s biting seems intense, fearful, or constant despite your efforts, reach out to a reward-based dog trainer or behaviourist. It’s okay to ask for backup!
Final Thoughts
Biting won’t last forever—even if it feels endless right now. With patience, redirection, and positive reinforcement, you’ll teach your puppy how to interact gently and grow into the well-mannered companion you envision.
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When you first bring a puppy home it can be very exciting but daunting all at the same time, so I am on hand to come and guide you through those key canine development stages to ensure that your puppy grows up to be well-mannered.