How to Stop Teething Puppies From Biting

Adopting and caring for a brand new puppy is an extremely exciting step to take in your life. But amidst all of the fuzzy feelings, cuddles, and playtime, there are challenges, as well—and that includes the teething stage. While your puppy is teething, you may notice that she’s prone to some (typically) harmless but annoying nipping and biting. 

It can be frustrating to deal with a puppy that seemingly loves to bite. But the good news is that while teething can be tough, the right strategies can help you guide your furry friend toward healthier habits. 

Why Do Puppies Bite?

If you want to put an end to your puppy’s biting, it’s helpful to know why he likes to nip on your fingers in the first place. There are several reasons a puppy might be inclined to chomp. 

For starters, teething discomfort is a major factor. Like human babies, puppies experience pain when their tiny teeth come in, and chewing helps to relieve their sore gums. 

In addition to the teething process, puppies may be trying to play or seeking attention. They often partake in some playful biting with their littermates, and this behavior could carry over to playtime with humans.

For better or worse, biting is also a natural instinct as your puppy explores the world—he’s trying to get a feel for his environment with his mouth! Understanding that this behavior is perfectly normal is the first step to guiding your puppy in the right direction.

How to Survive Puppy Teething

Teething is one of the toughest stages of puppyhood—for both your pup and you. Most puppies start teething around 3 weeks old, but the real chewing frenzy usually kicks in between 3 and 6 months, when baby teeth fall out and adult teeth come in. By the time your puppy is about 6–7 months old, teething should be behind you.

During this stage, you’ll probably notice some telltale signs like excessive drooling, gnawing on anything within reach, and maybe some irritability. None of this means your puppy is being “bad” or should be punished. His gums are simply sore and he’s seeking comfort! 

Puppy-proofing your home is one of the best ways to minimize damage—and stress—during teething. Start by removing shoes, kids’ toys, electrical cords, and other tempting items from your pup’s reach. Provide plenty of safe alternatives so your puppy is less likely to seek out furniture or household objects. Baby gates and playpens can also help limit access to rooms where there are too many chewable hazards. Consistency is key: redirect your puppy to an appropriate chew toy every time you catch her nibbling something off-limits. With a safe environment and clear boundaries, you can prevent destructive chewing before it starts.

How to Stop a Puppy from Chewing & Nipping

Let’s dive into a few of the best ways to set your puppy on the right track—and away from his chompy tendencies. 

When you find your puppy chewing on clothes or furniture (or your very own fingers), the most important first step is to redirect her to a chew toy. Be sure to correct her consistently and gently. Remember, she’s not in trouble. She just needs a little redirection and training.

Training tips

One of the simplest and most effective methods is the “ouch” technique. When your puppy nips too hard, let out a sharp “ouch!”—just like her littermates would do to signal the play is too rough. This teaches her bite inhibition and helps her learn what’s acceptable.

Follow this up with positive reinforcement. The moment your pup switches to chewing an appropriate toy, praise her enthusiastically or offer a small treat. This helps her make the connection that chewing her toys brings good things, while nibbling on you or your belongings does not.

Consistency is crucial, so make sure everyone in your household responds the same way. This will ensure your puppy gets a clear, unified message and quickly learns what’s okay to chew and what’s off-limits.

Exercise is important!

It’s also good to keep in mind that puppies oftentimes bite out of boredom in addition to their discomfort. And what’s the best way to fend off doggy boredom? With exercise! Keep your pup stimulated with frequent walks and playtime, and you’ll likely find that she’s not so prone to biting after that. 

Dental Care for Puppies & Dogs

When your puppy is teething—and for his entire life, for that matter—it’s crucial to prioritize dental care. Establishing healthy dental care habits early on will not only make the teething process as smooth as possible, but also set your four-legged friend up for a lifetime of strong, healthy teeth.

You may even want to start brushing your dog’s teeth; grab a doggy toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste. But at the very least, be sure to schedule professional checkups regularly. You should schedule your dog’s first vet dental exam around the time all the adult teeth have come in, usually by six to seven months of age, and then keep up with routine dental visits as recommended by your vet.

Beyond brushing and vet visits, there are plenty of ways to support your dog’s dental health at home. Dental chews and rubber toys designed to clean teeth can help reduce plaque buildup, while water additives formulated for dogs can freshen breath and promote a healthier mouth. Don’t forget that diet also plays a role—high-quality kibble and crunchy treats can provide a natural scrubbing action, while overly soft or sugary snacks may contribute to dental problems. With consistent care, you’ll keep your pup’s smile bright and healthy well into adulthood.

Bottom Line

Ultimately, it’s important to remember that teething and biting are temporary phases. While it may be a frustrating habit to endure, with the right techniques and a bit of patience, you can set your puppy up for better behavior—and healthier teeth and gums!

You know what they say: consistency is key. So keep up the positive reinforcement, invest in those chew toys, and trust that your efforts will pay off.