How to Correct Puppy Biting Hands and Feet? Training Tips for Getting Through the Teething Phase

One of the most common complaints from new puppy owners is biting. Those small, sharp baby teeth are indeed uncomfortable, but this is a normal part of puppy exploration and development. The focus isn't on punishing the behavior, but on teaching puppies what appropriate interaction looks like.

## Why Do Puppies Love to Bite?

### Exploring the World

Puppies don't have hands—their mouth is their primary tool for exploring the environment. Biting things is how they learn about the world, just like human babies touch everything with their hands.

### Teething Discomfort

Puppies begin teething around 3-6 months old:
* Baby teeth fall out, adult teeth emerge
* Gums become itchy and uncomfortable
* Biting things helps relieve discomfort

### Social Play

In a pack, puppies play with their mouths:
* Chasing and pouncing are normal play behaviors
* They apply this play style to humans

### Seeking Attention

If biting gets a reaction (even negative), puppies may learn to use it to attract attention.

## Proper Training Methods

### Bite Inhibition Training

The goal is for puppies to learn to control bite pressure:

**Step One: Make a Sound**
* When bitten, make a high-pitched "ouch" sound
* Mimics the reaction of a puppy playmate being bitten too hard
* Don't overdo it—a natural exclamation is enough

**Step Two: Pause Interaction**
* Immediately stop playing after making the sound
* Pull your hand back, turn away and ignore
* Wait 10-30 seconds

**Step Three: Resume Interaction**
* Continue playing only after the puppy calms down
* If they bite again, repeat the steps

### Redirection

Redirect biting behavior to appropriate objects:

* Keep various chew toys ready
* When bitten, immediately offer a toy instead
* Praise when they bite the toy
* Teach that "biting toys is correct"

### Environment Management

Prevention is more effective than correction:

* End play early when overly excited
* Wear long pants to protect ankles
* Put in crate for rest when tired
* Ensure adequate sleep (puppies need lots of sleep)

## Special Care During Teething

During teething (around 3-6 months), puppies need to chew more:

### Suitable Chew Items
* Frozen wet towel (cold soothes gum discomfort)
* Rubber chew toys (like Kong)
* Rope toys
* Age-appropriate dental chews

### Items to Avoid
* Very hard bones (may damage developing teeth)
* Toys easily torn apart and swallowed
* Old shoes or clothes (confuses what's acceptable to chew)

## Common Mistakes and Precautions

### Things NOT to Do

**1. Using Hands as Toys**
* Don't tease the puppy with hands to make them chase and bite
* This teaches them hands are okay to bite

**2. Excessive Punishment**
* Hitting, pinching the nose, holding the muzzle shut
* May cause fear or aggression issues

**3. Using the Crate as Punishment**
* The crate should be a safe resting space, not a prison

**4. Inconsistency**
* Sometimes allowing light biting, sometimes scolding
* This confuses the puppy

### Maintain Consistency

Everyone in the household must follow the same rules:
* Consistent response when bitten
* Consistent items allowed to be bitten
* Consistent interaction methods

## When to Be Concerned

The difference between normal puppy biting and problem behavior:

**Normal:**
* Bite pressure isn't strong
* Body language is relaxed, playful
* Can be redirected
* Gradually improves with age

**Requires Attention:**
* Bite pressure is strong and uncontrolled
* Accompanied by growling, stiff body language
* Difficult to redirect
* Occurs in specific contexts (guarding food, territory)

If the latter occurs, consult a professional animal behavior trainer.

## Timeline and Expectations

* **8-12 weeks**: Peak biting phase
* **3-4 months**: Teething begins, may bite more
* **5-6 months**: Teething complete, should start improving
* **6-12 months**: With consistent training, most dogs stop biting

With correct and consistent methods, most puppies show significant improvement by 6-8 months old. This process requires patience—every dog learns at a different pace. Remember, you're raising a "child," and all learning takes time.

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**References:**
* American Kennel Club - Puppy Biting and Nipping
* ASPCA - Puppy Mouthing Training
* Ian Dunbar - Before and After Getting Your Puppy

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