Puppy Biting

Author: Denise Partlow

Instagram: @modernk9 Carolinas

Biting is a completely normal behavior for puppies; they use their mouths in almost everything they do. The first thing to understand is, it’s nothing personal, do not be upset with your puppy if he is biting you, this is how he explores the world. And he may not fully know just how much pressure to apply to your sensitive skin when all he has ever practiced on was fur-covered skin.

But I get it…those sharp teeth hurt and they always seem to find your fingers and toes. Children seem to be the ones that suffer the most because puppies have a difficult time reading their reactions since squealing is usually a playful sound to them.

But remember, this is how they have interacted with their littermates for the last few weeks, and they do not know humans don’t like it; but it doesn’t mean you have to accept it, it will pass if you respond appropriately.

Since puppies are still in a sensitive learning stage it’s important that you do not yell at or get rough with your puppy for biting (i.e. pushing, smacking). For some puppies, this type of response can make them fear you in the future. For others, they may think you are playing and assume this is how they are supposed to interact with you.

The best thing to do is redirect your puppy from biting; help him focus on something else. Give your puppy a different toy that he can chew on to allow him to see “here chew on this, not on that” and then walk away.

This is not going to “fix” everything after the first time that you try it. Your puppy is not going to automatically know what you’re doing, but like everything else in dog training you will have to do this repetitively & consistently-the same way every time.

Being patient and consistent while your puppy learns how to adjust to our human world is key; and be mindful of your own human reaction, it just might make or break his progress.