Puppy Biting/Mouthing

Puppy biting or mouthing is a normal behaviour. Not only do dogs and puppies explore the world with their mouths but they also go through teething in puppyhood and use chewing as a pain relief that can go on until they are 7 months old. It is therefore important that we give dogs good outlets for this behaviour.

Steps to help puppies/dogs learn what can be chewed and what can’t:

FIRST – Manage the environment 

  • Puppy proof your house: make sure all the valuable items and very chewable items, e.g. shoes, are stored up out of reach. 
  • Use baby gates and puppy pens to stop access to rooms/ areas that are not puppy proof.
  • Buy a variety of ‘Legal’ chews. These are things your pup is allowed to chew on. There are lots of options out there, start with a range and see what your pup prefers and make sure they always have access to a favourite. This could include Natural hide chews, puppy teething rings, rope toys or tied up T-towels, frozen carrot, nyla bones. Regularly rotate the chews so they don’t get bored.

THEN make sure their needs have been met

  • Make sure puppies have enough exercise, socialisation, play, they will be more likely to bite if they are bored. 
    • Puppies can do 5 minutes of exercise for every month old they are on average. They can do this twice a day so a 3 month old puppy can do a 15 minute walk twice a day. This can vary depending on health and breed so do consult your vet for further advice.
    • Gentle socialisation is a great way to get our puppies brain going and tired them out. However it is really important not to overwhelm them either. Please see the socialisation advice sheet. 
  • Make sure your puppy is getting enough sleep and rest. Over tired pups are much more likely to get nibbly. 8 week old pups need to sleep for 18-20 hours a day but by the time they get to  4 months old they need to sleep for 15 to 18 hours in a 24 hour period.

GENERALLY 

  • Pop your dog on a lead when visitors first arrive if this is a precursor to nibbling.
  • Use puppy pens and stair gates to pen off areas if your puppy is chewing furniture.
  • Avoid handling or fussing when they are excited or tired.
  • Don’t over handle puppies. If they get nibbly when you’re picking them up or harnessing them ect it might be that they are not very comfortable with these things yet.

WHEN you play

  • Always keep a long toy handy for play time. Play tug/ chase the toy but make sure your hands are always out of the way. 
  • Don’t encourage your dog/puppy to play by putting their teeth on you or your clothing.

WHAT IF THEY MOUTH … what do you do?

  • If your puppy does start to grab you or your clothing, stop playing and calmly move away from them if possible. 
  • When your puppy has calmed and a few minutes have passed you can resume play or do some less exciting training. We want our dogs to learn ‘when my mouth goes on my human the game stops’.
  • Don’t tell them off for biting/mouthing; this could make them worried or too excited and potentially make the behaviour worse. Shouting at your puppy may evoke fear and make you appear unpredictable; fracturing the trusted relationship you’ve worked so hard to create. If you feel the need to say something, in a soft jaunty voice say ‘No thank you’ or ‘ok that’s enough’ and remove yourself from the situation.

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