If you have a puppy, you know that those tiny teeth can do a lot of damage and they seriously hurt. Puppy biting is part and parcel of having a young dog, but when is it just playful nipping, and when should you be concerned? This subject is a bit more complicated than justing saying “ouch,” and it all goes away because there is more than one cause. Let’s explore the world of puppy chompers and discover why your little furry crocodile might be biting, and what to do about it.

Reasons for Puppy Biting

Oral Exploration

Just like human babies, puppies use their mouths to explore their world. Biting things helps them learn about textures, tastes, and what is edible or inedible. It has been siggested by some that pups have sharp teeth so they can learn to inhibit their bite. There is a lack of research to support this idea but there's no harm in thinking this. Some say bite inhibition can only be learned before 18 weeks. 

Hungry

Some pups become  mouthy if they are hungry. They find it harder to keep a lid on being irritable in the same way we can when we are hungry - think “hangry”. Keep an eye on how much you are feeding as pups can become hungrier during growth spurts. Also, some feeding labels on puppy foods are confusing and it is easy to feed too little.

Frustration

If your pup is feeling frustrated or overstimulated, they might lash out with their teeth. Maybe you’ve been playing too roughly or they can’t get to that tantalizing toy just out of reach.

Over tired

If you’re trying to stroke or play with an over tired pup, they can become irritable. Mostly their new humans don’t understand their more subtle communication so they have to use their teeth to make you go away and leave them alone.

Soothing Teething

Those teeth aren’t just sharp; they’re also growing and making their gums sore. Teething can be painful, and chewing on stuff helps soothe that discomfort.

Aggressive Biting

This is less common but important to note. If your puppy is biting hard and frequently, accompanied by growling or snarling, doesn't let go, or the bites are hard enough to bruise and cause deeper punctures, then it might be a sign of aggression. This is a serious behaviour problem and the pup needs urgent attention from a professional.

Over arousal

When pups become over aroused they tend to start getting bitey. Many pup owners believe if they squeak this will stop the puppy biting, but the opposite can be true. Squeaking can get them even more excited and start biting even more. Just look at what they do to squeaky toys if you don't believe me! Don't squeak because many puppies like this noise (especially terriers) and they may bite you even more!.

Pain

Sometimes, biting can be a response to pain. If your pup has a stomach ache or other pain, they might nip at you as a way of expressing their discomfort. Puppies may frequently get urine infections and sore tummies can lead to extra mouthy behaviours.

Ear Ache

Similarly, if your puppy’s ears are bothering them, you might see more biting or hard mouthing. They could be trying to distract themselves from the pain but chewing can also reduce the itchy feeling that can accompany ear problems.

Retained Milk Teeth

Those baby teeth need to fall out, but sometimes they don’t. If a retained milk tooth is causing discomfort, your puppy might bite more.

Foreign Objects in the Mouth

Puppies are curious and might pick up something they shouldn’t. If there’s something stuck in their mouth, they’ll likely be biting to alleviate discomfort and hopefully dislodge the item.

When Should You Worry About the Biting?

Playful biting usually comes with a wagging tail, soft body movements and a playful attitude. But if the biting is accompanied by signs of pain, aggression, or persistent discomfort, or is causing bruising and punctures, it’s time to take note. Here are some red flags:

    •    Excessive biting that doesn’t stop with proper sleep and training
    •    Biting that breaks the skin or causes bruising
    •    Aggressive growling and snarling (not to be confused with play growls, which are accompanied with soft body language)
    •    Signs of pain such as whimpering, hunched back, lameness or constant ear scratching
    •    Persistent and excessive chewing 

What to Do About Biting

First things first, don’t panic! There are several ways to address biting:

    1.    Positive Reinforcement: Reward your puppy when they chew on appropriate toys instead of your fingers or furniture.
    2.    Redirect Their Energy: Offer chew toys, teething rings, or even a cold, damp cloth to help soothe those sore gums. But do this BEFORE they have put their teeth on you or you might reinforce the biting!
    3.    Calm Their Frustration: Ensure your pup has enough mental and physical stimulation as well as appropriate levels of sleep. A satisfied puppy is a well-behaved puppy.
    4.    Veterinary Check-Up: If you suspect pain from teething issues, retained baby teeth, or a possible ear infection or other medical issue, get your pup checked by a vet.
    5.    Seek Professional Help: If the biting is aggressive or doesn’t improve with meeting your puppy’s needs, consult a qualified dog trainer or behaviourist. They can offer tailored advice and strategies to address the issue.

Although this can be a very upsetting and annoying behaviour it is important that you do not physically punish your pup for what is normal puppy behaviour.  If you physically punish them (e.g. tapping, nose, holding mouth shut, holding pup down, shouting etc.) this increases the risks of aggressive behaviour from your pup. Maybe not yet, but as they mature they will remember and when they are strong enough to do something about it, they might bite you if they anticipate you may be going to punish them.

Remember, biting is a natural part of puppy development, but knowing when it’s more than just play can help you keep your furry friend healthy and happy. So, keep an eye on those chompers, and don’t hesitate to seek professional advice if needed. Happy puppy parenting! 

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