How to Stop a Teething Puppy From Biting You

Getting a puppy is a fun and exciting experience, whether it's your first dog or your 10th. But puppies enter a destructive phase at the age of 2 months, when they begin teething. They seek ways to alleviate the pain and pressure: chewing and biting. To control this behavior, follow some simple guidelines.

Things You'll Need

  • Toys
  • Gloves
  • Anti-chew spray
  • Spray bottle
  • Water
  • Can
  • Pennies
  • Brush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Give your puppy approved chew toys, like rawhide bones and toys. If the puppy begins to bite you or chew on something he shouldn't be chewing on, gently transfer his mouth over to the acceptable toy. The puppy will adopt that for himself and quickly learn that the toy is meant for chewing.

    • 2

      React with an exaggerated "Ow!" if your puppy bites you, and pull away to let him know that he's hurt you. Stop playing with him to show him that biting behavior hurts you and ends the game. Failing to please you and not getting to play anymore will teach the puppy that biting brings bad consequences.

    • 3

      Use a deterrent any time the puppy bites. Soak gloves in anti-chew spray, which is available at pet stores. Wear the gloves when you play with the puppy to teach him that your hand tastes bad. Fill a spray bottle with water and squirt the puppy if he bites you. Fill a can with pennies and shake it if the puppy bites you.

    • 4

      Be consistent with your reactions and training. Don't allow the puppy to bite sometime and not other times. Tell everyone in your household to follow the same rules with the puppy. Consistent training will teach the puppy not to bite or chew on your hands, while inconsistent training will just confuse him.