In the Press: Puppy Biting
Puppy Biting
Puppy biting is a completely normal behaviour, but it can be frustrating, especially when those little teeth feel like tiny needles. Understanding the science behind why puppies bite and using evidence-based training techniques can help you guide your pup toward more appropriate play.
Why Do Puppies Bite?
1. Puppies Learn Through Their Mouths
Like human babies, puppies explore the world with their mouths. According to research in canine development, puppies go through an oral stage where mouthing and chewing help them understand their environment (Overall, 2013).
2. Teething Discomfort
Between 3 and 6 months, puppies experience teething, causing gum irritation and an increased urge to chew (Landsberg et al., 2013). Providing appropriate chew toys can help alleviate discomfort.
3. Social Play & Bite Inhibition
In a litter, puppies bite each other during play. If a puppy bites too hard, the littermate will yelp and stop playing—a process called bite inhibition (Bekoff, 1972). This teaches puppies to control their bite strength, a critical skill for interacting with humans.
4. Overstimulation & Frustration
Scientific studies on canine behavior suggest that puppies who become overstimulated, overtired, or frustrated are more likely to engage in excessive biting (McGreevy & Boakes, 2007). Recognizing signs of overstimulation—such as zoomies, excessive panting, or difficulty settling—can help prevent biting episodes.
5. Attention-Seeking Behavior
Dogs are social learners, meaning they repeat behaviors that get a response (Skinner, 1953). If biting consistently gets attention (even negative attention like scolding), the behavior can be reinforced.
Modern, Science-Backed Strategies to Reduce Puppy Biting
✅ 1. Teach Bite Inhibition the Right Way
Research supports reward-based training as the most effective method for behavior modification (Ziv, 2017). Instead of punishing your puppy for biting, teach them to use a softer mouth:
• If your puppy bites too hard, say “Ouch!” in a high-pitched but calm voice.
• Immediately stop interacting for a few seconds.
• Resume play if they calm down.
• Repeat consistently so your puppy learns that gentle play continues, but hard bites stop the fun.
✅ 2. Redirect to an Appropriate Object
Puppies need an outlet for chewing. Provide varied textures (rubber, rope, soft fabric) to satisfy their needs. Scientific studies show that appropriate chew toys reduce destructive behaviors and promote dental health (Case, 2010).
✅ 3. Reward Calm Behaviour
Rather than focusing on stopping biting, reinforce calm behavior:
• Praise and treat your puppy when they engage in gentle play.
• Reward them when they chew their toys instead of your hands.
• Use food puzzles and lick mats to encourage calm, focused chewing.
✅ 4. Avoid Unintentionally Encouraging Biting
• Don’t use your hands as toys—this teaches your puppy that hands are for biting.
• Avoid rough wrestling, as it increases arousal and mouthiness.
• Don’t yank your hand away suddenly, as this can trigger the chase reflex. Instead, move your hand slowly or offer a toy.
✅ 5. Manage Energy Levels
Studies show that inadequate exercise and enrichment can lead to increased frustration and mouthing behaviors (Horowitz, 2009). Ensure your puppy gets:
• Short, frequent training sessions (2-5 minutes each).
• Interactive play (tug, fetch, scent work).
• Socialization experiences that build confidence.
✅ 6. Use Time-Outs Effectively
If your puppy gets overstimulated and won’t stop biting:
1. Calmly remove yourself from play.
2. Step away for 10-30 seconds.
3. Return once your puppy settles.
This teaches that excessive biting ends playtime. Studies on canine learning confirm that removing attention is an effective way to reduce unwanted behaviors (Yin, 2007).
Common Myths About Puppy Biting
🚫 “You Should Alpha Roll or Punish a Biting Puppy”
Dominance-based training methods have been debunked and shown to increase fear, aggression, and anxiety in dogs (Hiby et al., 2004; AVSAB, 2008). Reward-based training is more effective and humane.
🚫 “Biting Means My Puppy is Aggressive”
Puppy biting is normal and rarely a sign of aggression. True aggression in puppies is very rare and usually stems from fear or poor early socialization. If biting is intense, persistent, or comes with aggressive body language (stiff posture, growling, lunging), consult a certified behaviourist.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your puppy’s biting is:
• Escalating despite consistent training.
• Paired with growling, stiff posture, or guarding behavior.
• Causing breaks in the skin regularly.
A certified dog trainer can help assess the situation.
Final Thoughts
Puppy biting is a temporary phase that all puppies go through. With patience, consistency, and science-backed training, your pup will learn to play gently and grow into a well-mannered companion.
What has helped you manage your puppy’s biting? Let us know in the comments!
References
• American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB). (2008). “Position Statement on Dominance Theory in Behavior Modification.”
• Bekoff, M. (1972). “The Development of Social Interaction, Play, and Biting in Canids.”
• Case, L. (2010). Canine and Feline Nutrition: A Resource for Companion Animal Professionals.
• Hiby, E. F., Rooney, N. J., & Bradshaw, J. W. S. (2004). “Dog training methods: Their use, effectiveness, and interaction with behavior and welfare.”
• Horowitz, A. (2009). Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know.
• Landsberg, G., Hunthausen, W., & Ackerman, L. (2013). Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat.
• McGreevy, P., & Boakes, R. (2007). Carrots and Sticks: Principles of Animal Training.
• Overall, K. (2013). Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats.
• Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and Human Behavior.
• Yin, S. (2007). Low Stress Handling, Restraint and Behavior Modification of Dogs & Cats.
• Ziv, G. (2017). “The effects of using aversive training methods in dogs—A review.”
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