Why Is My Puppy Biting Me?

Understanding Play Biting and Mouthing in Puppies
By Dr Diederik Gelderman – HIGHlands Veterinary Hospital, Braemar NSW

Bringing home a new puppy is a joyful experience. Their wagging tails, curious noses, and playful energy quickly become part of the family. But when that play involves sharp little teeth nibbling on your hands, arms, or clothing, it can be a bit less fun!

If your puppy is biting during playtime, you're not alone. This is one of the most common concerns new pet owners face. The good news is that this behaviour is perfectly normal — and very trainable.

Is Puppy Biting a Sign of Teething?

Not always. While teething pups often chew to relieve sore gums, play biting in puppies is more about social learning than dental discomfort. If your puppy is targeting people (especially hands, feet, or clothing), it’s usually a way of interacting and having fun.

True teething behaviour is more about chewing furniture, toys, or other objects — not nipping your fingers during a cuddle!

Why Do Puppies Bite and Mouth People?

Puppies use their mouths the way human toddlers use their hands — to explore their world. In the early weeks of life, they learn vital social lessons through play with their litter mates. One of the most important lessons is bite inhibition — the ability to control the strength of their bite.

If one puppy bites too hard, the other will yelp and possibly stop playing. This teaches the biting pup that rough play ends the fun. It's part of why puppies should stay with their mother and siblings until at least 7–8 weeks of age.

When they come home to you, it's up to their human family to continue that education.

How to Stop Puppy Biting at Home

If your puppy is biting too hard or too often, don’t worry — there are clear steps you can take to gently guide them.

1. Provide Plenty of Play and Exercise

Puppies have a lot of energy and need regular playtime and exercise. Offer:

• Daily walks (even short ones for younger pups)
• Fetch and chase games
• Toys that squeak or bounce unpredictably
• Puppy-safe chew toys

This helps burn off energy and reduces boredom — a major cause of excessive mouthing.

2. Teach Bite Inhibition Using ‘Yelp and Pause’

• When your puppy bites too hard, let out a sharp “yelp” or “ow!” just like another pup would.
• Immediately stop playing and turn away for 10–30 seconds.
• Resume play once they’ve calmed.

Consistency is key. Everyone in the household must respond the same way.

3. Use Time-Outs for Persistent Nipping

If your pup keeps biting even after a yelp, calmly get up and leave the room. Avoid speaking or touching them as you go. This social withdrawal teaches them that rough behaviour means no more fun or attention.

What NOT to Do When Your Puppy Bites

Avoid using harsh discipline. That includes:

• Smacking their nose
• Holding their mouth closed
• Shouting or scolding

These methods can cause fear, anxiety, or even more excitement. Worse, they may damage the trust your puppy is building with you.

Instead, stick to calm, clear signals. You want your puppy to feel safe while learning what’s acceptable.

Additional Tips for Managing Puppy Mouthing

• Rotate toys to keep interest high.
• Avoid rough games like wrestling that encourage biting.
• Use training tools like a head halter and lead for gentle redirection during play.
• Reward good behaviour. If your puppy chews on a toy instead of your sleeve, praise them or give a small treat.

When to Seek Extra Help

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the biting continues — or gets worse. If your puppy’s biting:

• Seems aggressive rather than playful
• Involves growling or stiff body posture
• Doesn’t improve with consistent training

…it’s time to speak to a professional. At HIGHlands Veterinary Hospital, we can assess your puppy’s behaviour and refer you to a qualified trainer or behaviourist if needed.

Why Early Training Matters

Puppyhood is the perfect time to teach good habits and create a bond built on trust. If your puppy learns early that calm behaviour gets rewards — and rough play ends the fun — they’re far more likely to grow into a well-mannered adult dog.

Remember: all dogs have the ability to bite. The goal is to ensure that your dog has learned not to bite people, even when excited, scared, or in pain. Bite inhibition training is vital for your safety and your pet’s future interactions.

Book a Puppy Behaviour Consult Today

If your pup is giving your fingers too much attention, don’t worry — we’re here to help! At HIGHlands Veterinary Hospital, we’re passionate about helping you raise a happy, healthy, and well-behaved dog.

Book an appointment online via our online booking page
Call us on 02 4872 1144