Reducing Puppy Biting: A Gentle Approach
If you’ve welcomed a new puppy into your home, you’ll know they bring endless joy, wagging tails, and lots of cuddles. But you may also have discovered their less-than-charming habit: play biting. Those sharp little teeth can catch you by surprise!
The good news is that puppy biting is completely normal – especially in the early months – and with a gentle, consistent approach, you can guide your puppy towards calmer, safer behaviour.
As a dog sitter in Cheshire and North Wales, I often support families with young puppies. Owners tell me that keeping up with training while away from home can feel challenging – so here are some tried-and-tested tips that work both for everyday life and when your dog sitter steps in to help.
Why Puppies Bite
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Teething discomfort – Puppies start teething at around 3–4 months and often chew or nip to soothe sore gums.
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Exploration – Like toddlers using their hands, puppies use their mouths to explore the world.
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Play and communication – In a litter, puppies nip each other to test boundaries. If they bite too hard, play stops. This natural process helps them learn what’s acceptable.
Redirect with Chew Toys
Keep suitable chew toys on hand. When your puppy starts nipping, calmly swap your hand or clothing for a toy.
UK favourites include:
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KONG Puppy Toys (great when stuffed with dog-safe treats or frozen paste).
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Nylabone Puppy Chews (available in small sizes for tiny mouths).
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Rope toys (perfect for tug play – just supervise to avoid loose threads).
Having a toy ready in each room helps you react quickly and stay consistent.
Be Consistent and Use Positive Reinforcement
Puppies thrive on clear signals. If one family member lets rough play continue while another discourages it, your puppy will be confused. Agree a house rule: hands and feet are never for chewing.
Reward good choices. When your puppy picks up a toy instead of your slipper, praise them warmly or offer a small training treat.
The RSPCA and PDSA both recommend reward-based training as the most effective way to build good habits – and it works beautifully for play biting.
Keep Them Busy but... Pause Play When Needed
A tired puppy is a calmer puppy! Regular age-appropriate walks, short training sessions, and puzzle feeders like the KONG Wobbler help burn off energy and reduce nipping out of boredom.
Playtime on the rug/floor is important too. However, if biting gets too rough, calmly stop the game and step away for 20–30 seconds. This mirrors how puppies learn in a litter: fun stops if play is too rough. They soon make the connection that gentle play = more attention.
Avoid Harsh Punishment
Shouting, tapping their nose, or holding their mouth shut won’t help and is a big 'no no' for me. These behaviours and reactions may even create fear or anxiety. Instead, stay calm and focus on gentle redirection.
Building trust now lays the foundation for a confident, happy dog.
UK Puppy Care Tip
The Kennel Club and Dogs Trust both confirm: most puppies begin to grow out of biting by around 6 months if guided positively. So take heart – this is just a phase, and with consistency, it will pass.
Final Thought
Play biting is a normal part of puppy development, but it doesn’t have to leave you with scratches or shredded trousers. With patience, redirection, and positive reinforcement, you’ll soon have a puppy that plays safely and gently.
👉 If you’re based in Cheshire, Derbyshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Wrexham, or North Wales and need support while you’re away, Four Paws & Fortress provides in-home dog sitting. I’ll keep your puppy’s training, environment, routines, and gentle guidance consistent – giving you peace of mind that your pup is cared for and learning good habits even while you’re not there.
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