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Puppies explore the world with their mouths, so mouthing hands, feet, and other objects is completely normal, and play-biting is a natural part of development. Teething, which can last for up to six months, can make puppies even more likely to chew and mouth things to ease discomfort.
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However, those sharp puppy teeth can hurt, and you don’t want your dog to continue the habit into adulthood. An important step for any new puppy owner is teaching them not to mouth humans. By consistently teaching appropriate behavior and providing healthy outlets for your puppy’s energy, you can reduce mouthing and help your puppy develop better bite habits.
Why Puppies Mouth and Bite
Puppies use their mouths to investigate their environment, play with littermates, and cope with teething discomfort. Mouthing and gentle play-biting are normal behaviors during puppyhood, but that doesn’t mean they should be encouraged when directed at people.
One of the most important lessons a puppy can learn is that human skin and clothing aren’t appropriate chew toys. Teaching this skill early helps prevent unwanted habits from continuing as your puppy grows.
Stop the Fun When Mouthing Starts
Attention is rewarding for puppies, so it’s important not to accidentally reinforce mouthing behavior. Whenever your puppy bites or mouths you, stop all interaction with them. This teaches them that mouthing or biting causes play and attention to end.
You can tuck your hands away, stand still, or briefly turn your back for a few seconds. Consistency is key. The more predictable your response, the faster your puppy will understand the consequence.
To help teach bite inhibition (the use of a gentle mouth), say “ouch!” or “yip” in a high-pitched voice whenever your puppy bites you. This mimics the behavior their mother and littermates used when the puppy bit too hard, and it will help them understand the importance of a gentle mouth. However, this noise can overexcite some puppies. If that happens, walk away or calmly place them in their crate for a brief break instead.
Use Calm Movements and Gentle Handling
Fast-moving hands and feet can trigger a puppy’s instinct to chase and grab moving objects. If you’re waving your hands around or quickly pulling away, you may unintentionally encourage play-biting.
Instead, set up your puppy for success by using calm, smooth movements. When you handle your puppy (for example, when you’re grooming or petting them), do so gently and slowly.
Puppies explore the world with their mouths, so mouthing hands, feet, and other objects is completely normal. Play-biting is a natural part of puppy development, and teething, which can last for up to six months, can make puppies even more likely to chew and mouth things to ease discomfort.
However, those sharp puppy teeth can hurt, and you don’t want your dog to continuing the habit into adulthood. An important step for any new puppy owner is teaching them not to mouth humans. By consistently teaching appropriate behavior and providing healthy outlets for your puppy’s energy, you can reduce mouthing and help your puppy develop better bite habits.
Make Rest Part of the Daily Routine
Overtired puppies are often mouthier puppies. Like young children, puppies can become cranky and impulsive when they don’t get enough rest. To prevent that, schedule time every day for them to nap or wind down in their crate.
Most puppies need up to 18 hours of sleep per day. Establish a routine for your puppy that includes scheduled nap times and quiet crate breaks. Consistent rest can help reduce overstimulation and make self-control easier for your puppy.
Use Up Their Physical and Mental Energy
A puppy with excess energy is more likely to engage in unwanted behaviors, including mouthing and nipping. Providing both physical exercise and mental enrichment can help prevent problems before they start.
Good outlets for stimulation and exercise include:
- Puzzle toys
- Training sessions for cues like “sit” or “down“
- Romps in the backyard
- Structured play
Teach your puppy to play appropriately. After playing calmly, you can then ask for a sit. When your puppy responds correctly, reward them with another opportunity to play.
As your puppy learns the rules of engagement, you can gradually increase the excitement level while still maintaining control.
Have a Plan to Direct Your Puppy’s Energy
Having a plan in place makes it easier to respond calmly when your puppy becomes mouthy. For example, have toys or a pouch or container full of treats in every room. The faster you offer an acceptable alternative, the easier it is for your puppy to learn what behavior earns attention and rewards.
Even better, anticipate your puppy’s periods of high activity, so you can prevent mouthing in the first place. If you know your puppy gets mouthy after being released from their crate, have a toy ready to distract them as soon as you open the door.
Distract Them With Treats
There will be times when your hands need to be close to your puppy, such as during grooming or petting. In those situations, treats can help keep your puppy focused on something other than your fingers.
Offer small treats while handling your puppy gently. This not only reduces opportunities for mouthing but also creates positive associations with being touched, examined, and groomed.
Teach Children How to Interact With Puppies
Children often move quickly, make loud noises, and engage in energetic play, all of which can encourage mouthing behavior in puppies.
It’s important to teach children how to interact safely with your dog. For example, don’t let them chase or harass your puppy. Encourage children to move slowly and calmly, be gentle, and keep loud noises to a minimum.
Most importantly, always supervise interactions between children and puppies. This helps keep both safe while teaching your puppy appropriate behavior around people.
When to Seek Extra Training Help
Most puppies outgrow excessive mouthing when owners consistently teach appropriate behaviors and provide enough exercise, enrichment, and rest. However, if your puppy’s biting seems unusually intense or you’re struggling to make progress, working with a qualified trainer can help address the behavior before it becomes a long-term habit.
Key Takeaways
- Puppy mouthing is normal but should be redirected away from people.
- End play and attention immediately when biting occurs to avoid reinforcing the behavior.
- Adequate sleep, exercise, and enrichment can significantly reduce excessive mouthing.
- Keep toys and treats readily available so you can quickly redirect biting.
- Consistent training and supervision help puppies develop appropriate bite habits as they mature.
Frequently Asked Questions
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At what age do puppies stop mouthing?
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Most puppies become significantly less mouthy as they finish teething and mature, often between 4 and 6 months of age. Consistent training helps speed the process.
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Should I let my puppy chew on my hands gently?
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It’s generally best to teach puppies that human skin is never an appropriate chew toy. Consistent boundaries help prevent confusion as your puppy grows.
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Why does my puppy bite more when tired?
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Overtired puppies often lose self-control and become more impulsive. Ensuring your puppy gets enough sleep can help reduce mouthing and other unwanted behaviors.
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When should I contact a trainer about puppy biting?
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If your puppy’s biting seems unusually intense, causes injury, or doesn’t improve with consistent training and management, a qualified trainer can help identify and address the underlying cause.
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