How to Handle Puppy Biting
If you’ve got a new puppy, chances are you’ve dealt with sharp little teeth. Puppy biting is one of the most common things we hear about in training, and the good news is — it’s completely normal. Every puppy goes through it. The key is understanding why it happens and how to guide them toward better habits.
Why Puppies Bite
Puppy biting isn’t about being “bad” or “aggressive.” It’s a normal stage of development! Here’s why it happens:
Exploration – Puppies use their mouths the way babies use their hands. They’re learning what’s safe, fun, or interesting.
Teething – Between 3–6 months, puppies lose their baby teeth. Chewing and biting helps soothe sore gums.
Play – Dogs play with each other by mouthing and wrestling. When your puppy bites you, they’re often trying to play the same way they would with another dog.
Attention – Puppies are quick learners. If biting gets a reaction (even a negative one), they may repeat it for attention.
When Biting Becomes a Problem
Some puppy biting is expected, but we don’t want it to turn into a habit. Left unchecked, constant nipping can be painful, frustrating, and confusing for both you and your dog. This is where puppy training comes in — giving your pup safe outlets for chewing and teaching them what’s appropriate. In our puppy group training class, we go over all-things enrichment and fulfillment.
How to Manage Puppy Biting
Here are a few things you can start doing right away:
Redirect – If your puppy goes for your hands, calmly offer a toy instead. Reward them for chewing the toy.
Have Chew Options – Stock up on safe chew items (bully sticks, Kongs, teething toys). Rotate them so they stay interesting.
Use Breaks – If your puppy is overexcited and biting too much, calmly give them a short break in a crate, pen, or behind a baby gate.
Avoid Rough Play – Wrestling with hands makes it harder for your pup to learn the difference between toys and skin.
Reward Gentle Play – When your puppy is calm or playing without their mouth, mark (“Yes!”) and reward.
What Not to Do
Don’t yell, tap their nose, or use punishment. It can scare your puppy and make biting worse.
Don’t pull your hand away quickly — this can trigger chase instinct. Instead, stay calm and redirect.
Training Support
If your puppy’s biting feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. At Copilot Dog Training, we work with families across Chicago to get through this stage with positive, practical strategies. Whether you join our puppy group classes or schedule private puppy training, we’ll help you manage biting and all the other fun parts of puppyhood.
The TLDR:
Puppy biting is normal, but it doesn’t have to run your household. With the right mix of redirection, chew outlets, and training, your puppy will grow out of it — and you’ll have the tools to guide them there.