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How to stop puppy biting (without punishment)
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Brain Training for Dogs
A course built around games that give dogs mental exercise, according to the vendor. Useful for busy, mouthy puppies.
Why do puppies bite so much?
Puppies explore with their mouths, play-fight with littermates, and teethe between roughly 3 and 6 months. Most biting peaks when a puppy is over-tired or over-excited, which is why the "witching hour" in the evening is common.
A five-step plan
- Keep a toy within reach and offer it before your hand becomes the toy.
- Pause play the moment teeth touch skin: hands still, look away, then calmly resume with the toy.
- Plan naps. An over-tired puppy bites more. Use a crate or pen for scheduled sleeps.
- Give chewing outlets: safe chews and frozen, puppy-safe chew toys during teething.
- Reward calm: drop a treat between their paws when they lie down quietly.
Brain Training for Dogs
A course built around games that give dogs mental exercise, according to the vendor. Useful for busy, mouthy puppies.
What not to do
Don’t hold the mouth shut, tap the nose, or "alpha roll". These can frighten a puppy and make biting more intense or defensive. Yelping works for some puppies and excites others: if it winds yours up, stop.
Mental exercise reduces biting
Short training games and food puzzles tire puppies out in a way walks don’t, especially before they’re fully vaccinated. Five minutes of sniffing or a training game before the evening rush often helps.
When to get help
If biting draws blood regularly, comes with stiffening or growling when handled, or starts suddenly in an older puppy, see your vet first to rule out pain, then a qualified behaviourist (in the UK, check the ABTC register).
Common questions
At what age do puppies stop biting?
Most puppies bite much less by six to seven months, once their adult teeth are in and they’ve learned gentler play.
Should I yelp when my puppy bites?
Only if it calms your puppy. Many puppies get more excited by the noise; a quiet pause in play works for more dogs.
Is puppy biting aggression?
Usually not. Play biting is loose and wiggly. Stiffness, freezing or growling when touched is different and worth discussing with your vet.
What we’d look at next
Brain Training for Dogs
A course built around games that give dogs mental exercise, according to the vendor. Useful for busy, mouthy puppies.
Secrets to Dog Training
A long-running guide to everyday behaviour problems and obedience.
Not sure which fits? Take the 30-second quiz or see our comparisons.
Related comparisons: Brain Training for Dogs vs Secrets to Dog Training · Best online guides for pet behaviour problems
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