Puppy Nipping and Biting: Understanding, Correcting, and Preventing Mouthy Behavior

k9HS - Carlos
Apr 19
3 min read

Updated: Apr 23

**Puppy Nipping and Biting: Understanding, Correcting, and Preventing Mouthy Behavior**

Hello hello, Pet Parents! Carlos here.

Let’s be real—those tiny puppy teeth can feel like tiny needles. Nipping and biting are some of the most common frustrations for new dog parents, especially during the early months. But before we panic, let’s understand what’s really going on.

Mouthy behavior is normal for puppies. It’s how they explore the world, play, and communicate. But while it may be natural, it’s not something we want to encourage long term. Our goal is to guide, not suppress this behavior—helping your pup learn when and where using their mouth is appropriate.

Why Puppies Nip (And Why It’s Not "Bad" Behavior)

Teething discomfort – Those incoming adult teeth (between 12–20 weeks) can make everything a chew toy.
Exploration – Just like human babies, puppies use their mouths to explore textures, objects, and even people.
Social learning – In the litter, puppies bite and get feedback (like yelps or play stopping) that teaches bite control.
Excitement or overstimulation – Many pups bite more when they’re over-aroused, tired, or frustrated.

The takeaway? Nipping is a developmental phase—not a personality flaw. But left unchecked, it can become a habit.

How to Guide Your Puppy Toward Gentler Behavior Puppy Nipping and Biting: Understanding, Correcting, and Preventing Mouthy Behavior

✅ Use clear, calm corrections

Timing is everything. Puppies associate feedback with what they’re doing within half a second, so be quick but gentle.

When your pup mouths too hard, say "Uh-uh" calmly.
Briefly pause interaction (remove your hands or step away).
Re-engage only when they’re calm.

Avoid shouting or harsh scolding. The goal is to teach—not scare.

✅ Redirect to appropriate items

Have a soft toy or chew nearby at all times. After correcting the nip:

Wait for a moment of calm.
Offer the toy with low energy: “Here, chew this instead.”
Praise when they take it.

This teaches: biting people ends fun, biting toys brings it back.

✅ Reinforce calm behavior consistently

Catch your puppy being calm—reward it!
Praise them when they sit, lie down, or choose to chew a toy unprompted.
This builds a pattern of success they’ll naturally repeat.

What to Avoid Puppy Nipping and Biting: Understanding, Correcting, and Preventing Mouthy Behavior

❌ Don’t play hand games (like waving fingers in front of their face).

❌ Don’t encourage tug on clothing—it teaches the wrong outlet for their bite.

❌ Don’t ignore it hoping they’ll “grow out of it.” Habits get stronger, not weaker, with repetition.

Tips for Preventing Nipping Before It Starts

Tire out the brain – Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Try puzzle feeders, treat searches, and short training sessions.
Honor rest time – Puppies need 18–20 hours of sleep a day. A tired, cranky puppy is more likely to mouth.
Practice calm greetings – Reward calm behavior when saying hello. Teach them to sit instead of jump and bite.
Supervise around kids – Little hands and fast movements can confuse a puppy. Always supervise and teach gentle interaction on both sides.

When It’s More Than Just Nipping

If your puppy is biting frequently, breaking the skin, or showing signs of frustration or overstimulation, you might be dealing with:

Underlying stress
Lack of sleep
Overexcitement
Missed socialization windows

Don’t wait it out—support is available. A certified trainer can help you develop a personalized plan to work through it safely and kindly. Puppy Nipping and Biting: Understanding, Correcting, and Preventing Mouthy Behavior

Final Thoughts

Pet Parents, mouthing is part of the journey—but with the right strategies and timing, your puppy will learn to use their mouth gently and respectfully. Remember, every correction is a conversation. Be calm, be consistent, and always set your pup up to succeed.

Have questions or want more help guiding your mouthy pup? Reach out—I’m here for you and your little land shark!

Carlos F. Morales - CDBC | CPDT-KA

Carlos is head trainer at Canine High School in Long Beach, CA, a force-free Puppy School and Dog School. He is responsible for creating the school's Dog Training System, Curriculum, and Philosophy. In addition to educating his canine students and their human parents, he runs a teaching school that offers apprenticeship and internship programs for aspiring professional dog trainers. He is a Certified Mentor Trainer for several dog training schools and holds certifications with the IAABC and the CCPDT. He lives in Long Beach, CA, in a little house by the beach with his human, his three dogs GoGo, Kiba, Choji, and a sassy cat, Habibti.