Why is my puppy biting so much?

Puppy biting is a common concern among new dog owners, often leaving them confused, frustrated, and even concerned about future behavioral issues. It’s important to understand that this behavior is not only normal but also an essential part of a puppy’s development.

Puppies explore the world with their mouths, much like human babies do. When they bite, they’re not necessarily being aggressive — they’re testing boundaries, learning bite inhibition, and figuring out what’s acceptable and what’s not.

During the early weeks of life, puppies engage in constant play with their littermates. This play often involves biting, and through it, they learn how to control the pressure of their bites.

When a puppy bites too hard, its sibling will yelp and stop playing — sending a clear message that the bite was too rough. This feedback is crucial in helping the puppy learn to moderate its bite strength. When puppies are separated from their litter too early, they often miss this critical learning phase, which can result in more intense or persistent biting behavior when they’re brought into a home.

Teething is another major factor. Puppies start teething around three weeks of age, and this process continues until they’re about six months old. Just like in human infants, teething can be uncomfortable and even painful.

Chewing and biting help relieve the pressure on their gums, which is why puppies will seek out anything — hands, furniture, shoes — to gnaw on. Providing appropriate chew toys can help redirect this natural urge and protect your belongings at the same time.

Additionally, biting can be a way for puppies to seek attention or initiate play. If biting results in a big reaction — whether it’s laughter, yelling, or even just movement — the puppy might learn that it’s an effective way to get interaction.

Consistency in how you respond to biting is key. If one person allows playful nips and another doesn’t, the puppy will get mixed signals. Ideally, everyone in the household should respond the same way: calmly redirecting the puppy to a toy, avoiding punishment, and teaching alternative behaviors.

Finally, it’s important to remember that biting does not mean your puppy is “bad” or destined to become aggressive.

It’s a developmental phase that, with proper guidance, will pass. If the behavior persists beyond the typical age or escalates in intensity, consulting a professional trainer or veterinarian can help rule out deeper behavioral issues and provide a structured training approach.

References

Lindsay, S. R. (2000). Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Volume One: Adaptation and Learning. Iowa State University Press.

Pryor, K. (2002). Don’t Shoot the Dog!: The New Art of Teaching and Training. Bantam Books.