Sharp puppy teeth hurt, and they seem to find your fingers and toes. This guide shows you how to teach your puppy a gentle mouth and what to give them to chew instead.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) says mouthing is completely normal for puppies, and play-biting is a natural part of development. Your job is to teach your puppy that human skin and clothing aren’t chew toys.
The method is a calm pause. When teeth touch skin, the fun stops, and there’s no yelling or scolding. The steps follow AKC guidance, with chew advice from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
Why puppies bite
- They explore with their mouthsPuppies use their mouths to investigate their surroundings and to play with littermates. Mouthing hands and feet is completely normal.
- Teething adds to itTeething can last for up to six months and can make puppies even more likely to chew and mouth things to ease discomfort.
- Baby teeth fall out at 3 to 4 monthsAt about that age, puppy teeth begin to fall out to make room for 42 adult teeth. By 6 months, the baby teeth should be gone.
- Tired puppies bite moreOvertired puppies are often mouthier puppies. Like young children, they can get cranky when they don’t get enough rest.
AKC Chief Veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein says play biting doesn’t mean your puppy is vicious. Your puppy still needs to learn bite inhibition, which is the use of a gentle mouth.
A dog who has learned it understands they shouldn’t bite down hard, even if they’re ever in pain or scared. AKC says most puppies become much less mouthy as they finish teething, often between 4 and 6 months of age.
If your puppy just came home, our guide to the first week with a puppy may help with daily routines.
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Teaching a gentle mouth, step by step
Pause the fun when teeth touch skin
Whenever your puppy bites or mouths you, stop all interaction. AKC says this teaches them that mouthing or biting causes play and attention to end.
Keep the rule the same every time. AKC says biting during play means playtime is over, with no exceptions.
Tuck your hands and turn away
Tuck your hands away or briefly turn your back for a few seconds. Trainer Kathy Santo suggests turning around and tucking your hands into your armpits, which she calls a calming signal and a minor form of attention withdrawal.
Stay quiet while you do it. AKC says yelling can work like a reward, because it teaches your puppy that biting gets a response from you.
Hand over a toy
Keep toys or a container of treats in every room. The faster you offer something your puppy can chew, the easier it is for them to learn what earns attention and rewards.
If your puppy nibbles your fingers or toes, offer a toy instead. If they keep nipping, stop the play session right away.
Reward the calm
If your puppy backs off, give them a treat and some praise. AKC says to do the same when your puppy is calm and quiet on their own, so they learn which behaviors you want.
Move calmly and keep your hands busy
Fast-moving hands and feet can trigger a puppy’s instinct to chase and grab. Use calm, smooth movements, and handle your puppy gently and slowly when you pet or groom them.
Offer small treats while you handle your puppy. AKC says this keeps them focused on something other than your fingers and builds good feelings about being touched.
Plan for the mouthy times
AKC suggests a routine with scheduled nap times and quiet crate breaks. If your puppy gets mouthy after leaving the crate, have a toy ready when you open the door. If the crate is new to your puppy, start with our crate training guide.
Sometimes a biting puppy is an overtired puppy who needs a quiet place to nap. Other times, they need a potty break or are hungry or thirsty.
Use up energy before it turns into biting
A puppy with extra energy is more likely to mouth and nip. AKC says physical exercise and mental enrichment help prevent problems before they start.
Puzzle toys and training sessions both work well. After calm play, ask for a sit, then reward your puppy with another chance to play.
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Common puppy biting mistakes
- Giving biting a big reactionYelling can work like a reward. AKC also says it can make a puppy fearful of being handled, so stay quiet and calm.
- Making exceptionsAKC says a predictable response helps your puppy understand faster. Pause the play every time.
- RoughhousingAKC says rough play can encourage a young puppy to lose control and bite you. Keep play calm.
- Waving your hands or pulling away fastAKC says this can trigger chasing and may encourage play-biting. Slow, smooth movements work better.
- Letting children play without an adultChildren often move fast and make loud noises, which can encourage mouthing. Don’t let them chase your puppy, and supervise every time they play together.
Teething and chewing
Teething is very uncomfortable for a puppy, and chewing helps. AKC says a good chew toy soothes sore gums and keeps your puppy from finding your shoes or couch to chew on.
- Offer safe chewsRubber teething toys you can freeze and edible puppy teething rings can both be good options. Ice cubes or frozen wet washcloths also give cold relief.
- Check toys oftenLook them over for wear. Your puppy shouldn’t be able to chew chunks off or pull out stuffing.
- Skip sticksAKC says sticks can be hazardous, even though many puppies chew them.
- Ask your vetYour vet can help you choose safe chew toys that match your puppy’s chewing strength.
Supervise chewing and playtime. AKC says that with your eyes on your puppy, you can redirect them to an appropriate chew as soon as possible.
When you need to step away briefly, put your puppy in a crate or a dog-secure area with several chew toys. Keep toys where you can reach them, so you can offer one the moment your puppy needs to chew.
If your puppy grabs something they shouldn’t have, trade them for a treat or a favorite toy. Unless it’s a safety issue, never chase your puppy to get the object.
If you notice anything unusual while your puppy is teething, talk to your vet. If some baby teeth don’t fall out, tell your vet too.
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When to get help
If your puppy’s biting seems unusually intense, causes injury, or doesn’t improve with consistent training, AKC says a qualified trainer can help find the cause. Dr. Klein adds that if you haven’t been able to moderate play biting by 6 months, it’s a good idea to consult an experienced dog trainer or animal behavior specialist.
If your puppy seems to bite out of aggression and not during play, speak to your vet or a dog trainer. Not sure what to look for in a trainer? See what dog trainer certifications mean.
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Start the free courseAbout this guide. Written by Goody Doggy. The steps are based on guidance from the American Kennel Club and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Trainer numbers come from Goody Doggy listings, as listed by trainers.