How to Stop a Puppy From Biting People & Clothes

Adopting a new puppy can be exciting. But before you do, make sure you have enough time and patience to train him properly. While biting is natural and normal for puppies, it̵7;s important to curb that behavior. You can help teach him that people and clothing are inappropriate chew toys. Be persistent and patient in your communication with your puppy.

Things You'll Need

  • Toy
  • Can
  • Coins
  • Water
  • Spray bottle
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Avoid encouraging your puppy to bite by refraining from playing certain games with him. Examples are games like tug-of-war and wrestling, which may teach the puppy that biting is an appropriate behavior. Never allow anyone to encourage the puppy to bite by waving hands in front of his face or wrestling with his mouth.

    • 2

      Startle your puppy. PetEducation.com recommends making a very loud, abrupt and high-pitched noise, similar to ̶0;AWRP!̶1; This is the noise that another puppy would make if he was bitten. If the sound is abrupt and loud enough, your puppy should immediately stop biting and appear startled.

    • 3

      Redirect your puppy̵7;s behavior. As soon as he stops the biting because of the odd sound you made, offer him a toy to chew on. You may need to repeat this multiple times. However, if the sound appears to only make him excited, try a different loud noise.

    • 4

      Fill a metal can with coins or similar objects. When the puppy bites a person or clothing, shake the can loudly. You could also try misting him with water from a spray bottle.

    • 5

      Instruct any children that have contact with the puppy to leave the room abruptly if the puppy bites them or their clothing. A child̵7;s voice may not sound authoritative. So having the child leave the room immediately after biting will teach the puppy that biting means he will lose his playmate.