Puppy Biting and Chewing in Knoxville, TN

Trainer helping a young dog learn calm behavior

Puppies explore the world with their mouths, so biting and chewing are normal. The goal is not to stop a puppy from ever using its teeth, it is to teach your puppy what is allowed and keep your hands, shoes and furniture out of the equation.

Why puppies bite and chew

Puppies mouth things to explore, to play and to relieve the discomfort of teething, which typically runs through the first six or seven months. Overtired puppies also get nippy, much like overtired toddlers, and some learn quickly that biting gets a big reaction from people.

What to do when your puppy bites you

Redirect to an appropriate toy as soon as teeth touch skin.
If the biting continues, calmly end play for a short break so your puppy learns that biting makes fun stop.
Reward gentle mouths and calm behavior so your puppy learns what earns attention.
Avoid roughhousing with your hands. It teaches that hands are toys.
Skip yelling and physical corrections, which can overexcite or frighten a puppy and make the problem worse.
Watch for tiredness. A puppy that is biting wildly may need a nap in the crate or pen.

Managing chewing

Give your puppy plenty of appropriate chew items, rotate them so they stay interesting, and puppy-proof the areas where your puppy spends time. Supervise or confine when you cannot watch, and be careful with chews that can break into pieces or be swallowed. Your veterinarian can advise on safe options for your puppy. Exercise and mental work such as short training games and food puzzles also reduce destructive chewing.

Biting the leash

Many puppies grab the leash on walks as a game. Our article on stopping a dog from biting the leash goes into more detail, and the fix usually combines better leash handling, rewarding focus and meeting your puppy's energy needs before the walk.

When biting is more than play

Growling, stiffening, snapping when handled or guarding food and toys are different from normal puppy mouthiness. If you see those signs, a professional evaluation is a good idea. Read our guides to resource guarding and aggressive dog training.

How we help

Bite inhibition, handling, impulse control and calm greetings are part of our puppy training program, and you learn how to keep up the routine at home. For busy owners, day training adds daily professional work, and puppy potty training covers the other big early challenge.

Not sure where to begin? Contact us and tell us about your dog.

Frequently asked questions

At what age do puppies stop biting?

Mouthiness often eases as teething finishes and puppies mature, but it is not automatic. Consistent training is what teaches a puppy to use a soft mouth, and many dogs need guidance well into adolescence.

Is it okay to let my puppy play-bite my hands?

It is better not to. Allowing it teaches your puppy that hands are toys, which becomes a problem as the teeth get bigger. Redirect to a toy instead.

Should I hold my puppy's mouth shut when it bites?

No. It can frighten a puppy or make it defensive. Redirecting, ending play and rewarding calm behavior is more effective and safer.

Talk to us about your dog

K9 Services Unlimited trains dogs and their owners in Knoxville, Tennessee and the surrounding area, including Farragut, Maryville, Lenoir City, Loudon, Oak Ridge, Sevierville and Morristown. Request a free quote and tell us about your dog, or see the areas we serve. We are available every day from 7 AM to 7 PM.