Puppy biting hands and clothes: what to do

When your puppy mouths you in play, offer an appropriate toy and change how you play together. Exploring with the mouth is common in puppies; it does not, by itself, mean aggression. Your puppy needs help learning what is suitable to chew and that teeth on skin or clothing interrupt the fun.

Prepare for play before the biting starts

Keep suitable toys in the rooms where you spend time together. Choose a toy long enough to keep teeth away from fingers and move it near the floor rather than waving hands in front of the puppy’s face. Praise and reward chewing the toy. If you do not want the puppy to chase sleeves and shoes, avoid games that make those things the target.

If teeth touch skin, keep your hands still, pause the game briefly and redirect to a toy. Some puppies become more excited if someone squeals or pulls a hand away sharply. If the puppy is too wound up to switch activities, end the game calmly and help them settle.

Check the need for rest

Mouthing often increases after lots of play, late in the day or when the room is busy. Try a quiet break before adding more exercise. Alternate play, sniffing and naps within a puppy routine. Offer chews suited to the puppy’s size and supervise them so broken pieces can be removed.

An adult must manage interactions with children. Do not ask a child to tolerate bites or handle an excited puppy alone. Use a gate or separate the puppy when play gets too intense.

Avoid frightening responses

Do not hit, hold the puppy’s mouth shut or use aversive equipment. Those reactions can frighten them without teaching an alternative. Reward-based training makes gentle play easier to understand.

If a bite causes injury, happens with a stiff body or guarding behaviour, or suddenly becomes more intense, consult a vet and qualified behaviour professional. Reading canine body language can help you describe what happened before the bite.

This guide provides general information. If your pet has symptoms, pain or a sudden change in behaviour, speak to a veterinarian. Read our editorial policy.