How can I stop my new puppy from biting?

Stopping a puppy from biting takes patience and consistency. Puppies naturally explore the world with their mouths, but you can start to teach them appropriate behaviour with these steps:

1. Teach Bite Inhibition

  • When your puppy bites too hard, tell it “No” (firmly), then stop playing for a few seconds.

  • If they stop, reward them with praise or a treat.

  • If they continue biting, walk away or ignore them for a short time.

2. Provide Chew Toys

  • Puppies need to chew, especially when teething. Give them appropriate toys instead of your hands.

  • If they bite you, redirect them to a toy.

  • Make sure you provide appropriate substitutes. A puppy chewing on a chair leg wants something hard so substitute for a deer antler or similar, not a teddy.

  • Freeze your deer antlers or even some carrots overnight so that you have something soothing available when your puppy is teething.

3. Use Positive Reinforcement

  • Reward good behaviour! Praise and give treats when they play gently.

  • Avoid rough play that encourages biting.

4. UNDERSTAND THEIR BEHAVIOUR

  • If your puppy gets too excited and keeps biting, this generally means they are over-tired. Pop them in their crate for a rest (but don’t make this feel like a punishment!)

5. Be Consistent

  • Everyone in the household should follow the same training rules.

  • Don’t send mixed signals by letting them bite sometimes but scolding them at other times.

6. Avoid Punishment

  • Never hit, yell, or use aggressive discipline—it can make biting worse.

With time and patience, your puppy will learn that gentle play is the best way to interact. What breed is your puppy? Different breeds sometimes require slightly different training approaches! Book a private appointment now for more specific guidance and support.

From group training classes to problem canine behaviour solutions, walk, play and trains to private appointments, and snake avoidance courses to canine myofunctional therapy sessions, Padfoot is the Sunshine Coast’s most trusted professional animal behaviour practice. We’re the team your dog would choose. And we look forward to meeting them soon!

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Puppy Training Tips, The Padfoot WayPadfoot Team