How To Stop a Puppy From Biting
Those tiny puppy teeth might look adorable until you find them latched onto your hand during playtime. If you’ve been stuck wondering how to stop your puppy from biting, you’re definitely not alone.
Every new dog owner hits the “biting stage” at some point, and while it can be frustrating, it’s also a regular part of puppyhood. With a few simple strategies and a little patience, you can teach your puppy that gentle mouths get more love and save your fingers in the process.
At Club K9 Las Vegas, we’ve helped countless local families turn those nippy moments into calm, playful ones through positive-reinforcement training. Whether your pup is teething, exploring, or just learning the rules of play, consistency and kindness go a long way.
Why Do Puppies Bite?
Puppies explore the world through their mouths. They chew and nip almost everything to learn textures, get attention, and ease sore gums during teething. Light nipping during play is normal, but it becomes a problem when it’s too hard, too frequent, or happens out of frustration.
Puppies naturally pick up bite control from their littermates. When one yelps and stops playing, the other learns that biting ends the fun. You can use that same lesson at home to teach what’s acceptable.
Here’s a quick way to recognize the difference between harmless mouthing and behavior that needs guidance:
Normal Play vs. Problem Biting
- Normal: Soft mouthing during play, quickly stopping when corrected.
- Problem: Hard biting, growling, or ignoring “ouch” cues.
If your puppy fits the second category, it’s time for a little extra guidance and practice. Many families start with our manners training program, which helps puppies learn calm behaviors before bad habits form.
4 Ways To Stop A Puppy From Biting
1. Teach Bite Inhibition Early
When your puppy bites too hard, say “Ouch!” in a calm, clear voice and stop interacting for a few seconds. Once they relax or switch to licking, reward them with praise or a toy. Over time, this shows that soft mouths keep playtime going, while hard bites end it.
Keep sessions short and consistent. Skip the yelling or sudden movements; those only make the game more exciting for your puppy. Patience and repetition are key to teaching bite control.
2. Redirect With Toys and Chews
When your puppy starts biting, the best way to respond isn’t to pull away; it’s to redirect that energy toward something they’re allowed to chew. Keep a few soft toys or rubber chews nearby, and hand one over as soon as the nipping begins. This teaches them what’s okay to bite and keeps their teeth off your skin.
Puppies also bite more when teething, so having safe options is essential. Frozen washcloths or chilled teething toys can soothe sore gums and satisfy the need to chew. You might notice your puppy settling down faster once they have an outlet that feels good on their mouth.
If your puppy starts biting during play or excitement, calmly end the game and offer a toy instead. Consistency matters—every family member should handle it the same way so your pup learns quickly what’s expected.
3. Use Positive Reinforcement
Reward calm moments with gentle play, sitting quietly, or licking rather than nipping. Puppies repeat what earns your praise and attention the most.
Avoid using punishment or loud corrections. These can make puppies anxious or confused, and anxiety often leads to more biting. Instead, focus on reinforcing calm behavior. For example, if your puppy sits quietly instead of nipping for attention, that’s your cue to reward them.
Positive reinforcement also works best when combined with short training sessions throughout the day. Keeping lessons light and fun helps your puppy stay engaged. Over time, those calm choices become second nature.
For puppies who struggle with impulse control, guided sessions can make a big difference. Many owners see progress after just a few lessons through Club K9’s various training programs, which are designed to teach obedience and confidence in a controlled, distraction-free environment.
4. Manage Energy and Environment
Sometimes, biting happens simply because your puppy has too much energy. Regular walks, mental stimulation, and safe playtime can prevent boredom from turning into mouthing. A well-exercised puppy is a happy, bite-free puppy.
If your pup gets overstimulated or starts nipping repeatedly, pause the fun for a short break. A few minutes in a quiet, calm space or crate helps them reset. Be sure the crate is a positive place by making it feel like a cozy den rather than a time-out spot.
Keeping routines predictable and balanced helps your puppy understand when it’s time to play and when it’s time to rest. Over time, you’ll see fewer nips and more gentle, relaxed interactions.
When To Seek Professional Help
Most puppies outgrow their biting phase within a few months, especially with consistency and gentle correction. But if the behavior starts to include growling, lunging, or biting that breaks the skin, it’s time to call in a professional trainer. Those signs often point to fear or overstimulation. Working with a trainer can uncover what’s really driving the behavior and help your puppy feel more confident.
Professional guidance can also help if you feel like you’ve tried everything without success. Trainers can assess your puppy’s personality, environment, and triggers to build a plan that fits your lifestyle. Group classes can be an excellent choice for social learning, while one-on-one sessions allow for focused attention.
If you’re in Las Vegas and ready for a little expert support, advanced manners training can help reinforce the progress you’ve made at home. These sessions focus on reliability and calm behavior in the face of distractions—perfect for puppies who need extra guidance as they grow.
Get Expert Puppy Training in Las Vegas
Training helps your puppy learn good manners while strengthening the bond and trust you share every day. At Club K9 Las Vegas, our programs use positive-reinforcement methods to shape calm, confident behavior while keeping learning fun.
From first lessons in manners training to more advanced obedience, every session is designed to make daily life easier for both you and your pup. You’ll see real progress as your puppy learns when to play gently, listen to cues, and settle when excitement takes over.
While it may not feel like it, the “biting” stage is exactly that, just a stage. Stay consistent, keep things positive, and you’ll soon have a pup who listens, plays gently, and loves every minute spent with you.
Keep the momentum going by visiting the Club K9 Blog, where you’ll find more step-by-step training tips, puppy behavior guides, and insights to help your dog thrive.