So you’ve got scratches on your hands, holes in your clothes, and you’re worried the table legs will be next. Your puppy has turned into a little land shark.
The good news is that this phase is temporary, and there are plenty of things you can do to reduce the impact on you, your furniture, and your household items.
Why do puppies get so bitey?
Puppy biting is a totally normal part of development. It is very different from true aggression.
Puppies use their mouths to explore the world, interact with each other, and relieve discomfort from sore gums.
It gets worse when they’re:
- hungry
- frustrated
- teething
- over-stimulated
- over-excited
- over-tired
A bitey puppy is often a puppy who is struggling to cope physically or emotionally.
Puppies are also drawn to movement, which is why they often try to bite hands or flowy clothes, and small children as they run past.
Many puppies become dramatically more bitey when they’re overtired — just like overtired toddlers.
What can you do about it?
Puppies need to chew. But we have to channel this energy for good rather than evil!
This means:
Preventing overstimulation, with plenty of sleep overnight, downtime during the day, as well as calm interactions and play with humans. Learn to spot when your puppy is getting tired and encourage a nap before they start to struggle.
Providing appropriate outlets, such as rubber toys, bones, or stuffed chew toys. Give them things to shred, like paper towel rolls or cardboard boxes, and play games of tug together.
Teaching alternative behaviours, such as redirection onto toys, and reinforcing calm choices.
It’s also important to provide your puppy with opportunities to play appropriately with other puppies.
Big reactions can accidentally encourage puppies to keep biting. Screaming, squealing, pulling away, running, or telling them off can make the interaction more exciting. Instead, try reducing movement and excitement first. Many puppies calm down when the game suddenly becomes boring.
Praise your puppy when they stop. Redirect with a toy. Work out why the puppy is struggling right now and address it.
Never punish puppies for normal behaviour, as this can cause confusion, stress, and frustration.
When will the land shark phase be over?
Biting gradually improves as teething settles and adult teeth come through (around 6 months).
With guidance, maturity, plenty of sleep, and appropriate outlets for chewing, most puppies improve dramatically over time.
At Urban Dogs HQ, we specialise in developmentally appropriate puppy training and socialisation.
UDHQ students can learn more in our Puppy Life Handbook, or join us in-person for puppy classes in Melbourne.
