10/11/2026
Tips to Help With Puppy Biting
1. Redirect to a toy. When your puppy bites your hands, offer a chew toy instead. Praise them when they chew on the toy.
2. Keep your hands out of play. Avoid wrestling or encouraging your puppy to chase and bite your fingers.
3. Stop playing when biting gets too hard. Calmly stop moving and end the game briefly. This teaches your puppy that hard biting makes the fun stop.
4. Reward gentle behaviour. Give praise, treats, or attention when your puppy plays nicely without biting.
5. Provide plenty of chew toys. Puppies need appropriate things to chew, especially when their adult teeth are coming in.
6. Make sure your puppy gets enough sleep. Overtired puppies often become extra bitey, wild, and difficult to settle. Young puppies need lots of sleep throughout the day.
7. Offer regular play and enrichment. Short play sessions, sniffing games, and gentle training help burn energy and keep little minds busy.
8. Avoid shouting or physical punishment. Hitting, holding the mouth shut, or yelling can frighten puppies and may make biting worse.
9. Be consistent with everyone. Make sure all family members respond to biting in the same way. Don't allow biting hands one moment and discourage it the next.
10. Give a calm break when needed. If your puppy keeps biting despite redirection, guide them to a safe, puppy-proof area with a chew toy so they can settle. This should be a calm reset, not punishment.
What to Do When Your Puppy Bites You
Step 1: Stay calm
Avoid squealing, waving your hands, or pulling away quickly, as this can make you seem like an exciting toy.
Step 2: Redirect
Offer a toy immediately and encourage your puppy to bite that instead.
Step 3: Pause the fun
If biting continues, calmly step away for 10–20 seconds, then try again.
Step 4: Praise gentle play
The moment your puppy plays appropriately, reward them with attention and encouragement.
