How to Stop Puppy Biting


How to Stop Puppy Biting: A Positive Training Guide

Is your puppy turning playtime into a nipping frenzy? Here’s how to stop biting before it becomes a habit—without punishment.

Why Puppies Bite

Biting is a natural part of puppy development. Puppies use their mouths to play, explore, and relieve teething discomfort. But what’s cute at eight weeks can turn into a problem if not addressed early.

5 Proven Ways to Stop Puppy Biting

1. Redirect with Toys
Always have soft chew toys on hand. If your puppy bites your hands or clothes, calmly replace them with a toy. This teaches what is okay to bite.

2. Teach Bite Inhibition
Let out a gentle “Ouch!” or high-pitched yelp when your puppy bites too hard. Then pause all interaction for 5–10 seconds. This mimics how puppies learn boundaries with their littermates.

3. Avoid Rough Play
Games like tug or wrestling can overstimulate your puppy and increase biting. Choose calmer games that reinforce gentle behavior.

4. Reinforce Calm Behavior
Praise and reward your puppy for sitting calmly, chewing the right items, or interacting gently. Focus on what they’re doing right.

5. Use Crate or Playpen Breaks
If your puppy gets overexcited and bitey, give them a short break in a quiet, safe space like a crate or pen. This helps them reset without punishment.

What Not to Do

  • Don’t yell, hit, or use force. This can scare your puppy or encourage aggressive behavior.
  • Don’t let biting become a game. Pulling away quickly or laughing can excite your pup even more.

When Does Puppy Biting Stop?

Most puppies outgrow biting by 5–6 months with proper guidance. Teething ends around this time, and your pup will better understand boundaries if you’ve been consistent.

Need Help?

Struggling with puppy biting? At Pawsitive Pup Training and Care, we specialize in gentle, effective methods to help you raise a calm, confident pup.


Download our free Puppy Starter Guide or contact us for support.

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