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Puppy PrepBeginner 12 min
Puppy Biting & Mouthing
Those sharp little teeth hurt. Learn why puppies bite and how to teach bite inhibition.
“Puppy teeth are nature's way of ensuring you teach bite inhibition. They're also nature's way of ensuring you own Band-Aid stock.”
What you'll learn
Why puppies biteBite inhibitionRedirection techniquesTime-out protocolTeething relief
Puppies bite to explore, play, and relieve teething pain. It's normal — but they need to learn that human skin is too delicate. Yelp 'ow!' in a high-pitched voice when they bite too hard. If they stop, reward. If they don't, end play.
Redirection: always have a toy nearby. When the puppy mouths you, shove a toy in their mouth instead. If they persist, leave the room for 30 seconds. This teaches that biting = play ends.