If your new puppy treats your hands, ankles and sleeves like chew toys, you're in good company. Puppy biting is the most common complaint we hear from new owners in Wilmington and the surrounding towns. It's normal, but it isn't something to wait out.
Why puppies bite
- Exploring. Puppies investigate the world with their mouths.
- Teething. Between roughly 3 and 6 months, adult teeth are coming in and chewing feels good.
- Play. Littermates play by mouthing; your puppy is inviting you to play the same way.
- Over-tiredness. The "witching hour" bitey zoomies usually mean your puppy needs sleep, not more play.
A simple plan that works
- Protect sleep. Young puppies need 16–20 hours of rest a day. A structured crate routine prevents most over-tired biting.
- Give the mouth a job. Redirect to a tug toy or chew, and make toys more exciting than hands.
- Use structured play. Tug with clear rules (take it, drop it, teeth on toy only) teaches impulse control and builds your bond.
- Calmly end the game when teeth hit skin. Play stops; a short crate or pen break resets an over-excited puppy.
- Reward calm. Catch your puppy lying quietly and reward it. What gets rewarded gets repeated.
- Introduce leash communication early so you have a gentle, clear way to guide your puppy away from ankles and sleeves.
Kids and puppies: supervise closely, keep play structured, and give the puppy a safe place to retreat. Most "my puppy bites the kids" problems are solved with routine and management.
When to get help
If biting is getting harder instead of softer, comes with stiff body language or growling over food and toys, or your puppy is older than about five months and still mouthing constantly, it's time for professional guidance. Our Puppy Foundations program covers bite inhibition, crate and potty training, and the five core commands, all at your home. Book a free consultation.
About the author: Kurtis O'Byrne is the founder of Roman's K9, providing in-home dog training in Wilmington, MA and surrounding towns. More about Kurtis.
