Why Your Puppy Bites & How to Stop It Without Yelling 2025 Guide 🐕

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

🐕 Introduction: Biting Isn’t Bad Behavior

Puppy biting is normal—but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. It’s how puppies explore their world, relieve teething discomfort, and practice social behavior. The goal isn’t punishment; it’s redirection, education, and patience. 🔍

In this article, you’ll learn:

• ✅ Why puppies bite and when it’s developmentally normal
• 🔍 What biting looks like when it needs intervention
• 🔧 Vet-approved redirection strategies
• 🔹 How Ask A Vet, Woopf, and Purrz support bite training

1. Why Puppies Bite 😠

Between 6 and 16 weeks, biting is a key part of development. Puppies bite to:

• 👅 Explore texture and response
• 🧸 Relieve teething pain
• 💪 Practice social and play skills with humans and littermates
• 😊 Burn off energy or express frustration

Biting becomes an issue when it’s hard, frequent, or escalating into aggression. That’s when calm guidance makes all the difference. 🛌

2. Redirection, Not Reprimands 🎧

Harsh corrections can backfire and create fear. Instead:

• 🧊 Keep safe chew toys and cold teething aids nearby at all times
• 🧳 Redirect biting onto toys the second their teeth touch skin
• 🚶♂️ If needed, calmly walk away for 10 seconds (social time ends = feedback)
• 🛰️ Use positive reinforcement when they bite appropriate objects

3. What If My Puppy Bites Hard or Won’t Stop? ❌

• ⚠️ Track triggers: Overstimulation, lack of naps, hunger, or lack of outlets
• 🦜 Limit rough play or hand games that encourage mouthing
  

4. How Woopf Helps You Teach Bite Control 🚀

• 🛌 Woopf: Offers puppy-safe chew packs, tug toys, and distraction aids
  

5. Final Thoughts from Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc 👩⚕️

Puppy biting isn’t defiance—it’s development. Respond with clarity, kindness, and calm, and you’ll raise a pup who knows how to use their mouth gently and respectfully. 😊