Puppy biting: why your puppy turns into a piranha (and how to help)
If you've got a puppy, you've probably got the scratches to prove it. Those tiny needle teeth? It's like you've had acupuncture that's gone very wrong. And when the adult teeth start coming through? It's more like a cute fluffy crocodile pinching your skin.
The good news is that puppy biting is completely normal. Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and they aren't being naughty. There's usually a reason behind the biting, so the first step is working out what your puppy might need.
Why does my puppy get bitey in the evening?
Does "bitey hour" seem to happen more in the evening? Lots of owners tell me their adorable puppy turns into a fluffy little piranha at the same time every night.
This can be because of lots of things, but very often your puppy is overtired. Just like babies, puppies need loads of sleep. Without it, they don't wind down... they wind up. So your hands, arms and ankles become the nearest thing to chomp.
Why is my puppy biting? Six questions to ask
When the biting starts, run through these questions first.
1. Have they had enough sleep today?
Puppies need 16 to 20 hours of sleep a day, depending on their age. An overtired puppy often gets bitey, a bit like an overtired toddler.
2. Are they teething?
Frozen carrots, teething toys and homemade dog lollies can help soothe sore gums. Always supervise, and choose sizes that suit your puppy's jaw.
3. Are they hungry?
If the biting happens before meals or in between them, your puppy may be hungry.
4. Has it just been playtime?
After play, your puppy may be tired and ready to stop, or just too excited. Over-excitement often comes out as nipping.
5. Have they had enough time to chew?
Chewing really helps a puppy to calm down, and it's good for teething too. Try age-appropriate chew toys, or food chews like pizzles, which are good for puppy teeth. Soft toys can be just what they need as well.
Chew safety: always supervise chews. Take a pizzle away before the end gets small enough to swallow, and bin any soft toy that gets ripped, as the stuffing can cause tummy problems or blockages.
6. Are they still settling in?
A new home is a lot for a puppy. Stress can make mouthing worse, so give them a quiet spot and keep visitors to a minimum for the first few days.
What to do in the moment
When your puppy starts getting nippy, try these.
- Keep your hands still. Waving your hands around can turn it into a game, and they'll want to bite even more!
- Redirect and reward. Offer an appropriate chew or toy instead, and reward them when they take it.
- Stand still if they chase feet or trousers. Some puppies love chasing anything that moves. Stand still and have a toy ready to redirect them.
- Calmly step away if redirecting doesn't work. Create a barrier between the both of you for a few seconds so they have a chance to settle. It's a pause, not a punishment.
- Avoid yelping, shouting, tapping their nose or holding their mouth. These can make a puppy more excited or more worried.
- If there are children at home, supervise every interaction. If the puppy gets nippy, teach children to "be a tree": stand still with their arms folded.
Calming activities
Sniffing and licking help puppies to calm down. Try a snuffle mat, a lick mat, or scatter feeding, where you sprinkle some of their food for them to sniff out.
Keep a biting diary
Jot down when the biting happens: the time of day and what happened just before. It helps you spot patterns, and gives us a head start if we work together.
Need some help with your puppy?
This is general guidance to help you get started. Every puppy is different, so if you're ever worried about biting, please get in touch and we'll look at your puppy's needs properly together. Book your free 15 minute call here.
Natalie, IMDT Qualified Dog Trainer
Nellie's Paws & Co, Dog training that fits the way you think