How to Stop a Puppy from Biting: Tips for Surviving the Puppy Teething and “Land Shark” Stage

Before you get frustrated, remember that puppy biting is usually a normal part of growing up. It doesn't necessarily mean your puppy is aggressive or misbehaving. Puppies use their mouths to explore the world, and their need to chew often increases during teething.

The goal isn't simply to teach your puppy not to bite. It's to teach them what they can bite instead.

Why Do Puppies Bite So Much?

Puppies explore their surroundings with their mouths. They may bite or chew because they're:

• Exploring new objects and environments

• Trying to play with you

• Experiencing discomfort during teething

• Looking for attention

• Overexcited or overstimulated

• Tired but unable to settle down

That last point is easy to miss. Sometimes, a puppy that seems full of energy is actually overtired. An overtired puppy may become even more excitable, mouthy, and difficult to manage.

Is It Normal Puppy Chewing or Overtired “Land Shark” Behavior?

Not all puppy biting means the same thing. Paying attention to your puppy's behavior can help you choose the right response.

Normal Exploratory Biting

Your puppy may gently mouth your hands, clothes, or nearby objects while exploring or playing.

Common signs include:

• Relaxed body language

• Gentle mouthing during play

• Interest in different toys and objects

• Easily distracted by a suitable toy or treat

• Able to settle down after playtime

This is a great opportunity to teach your puppy what is appropriate to chew. Instead of simply stopping the behavior, redirect their attention to an appropriate chew toy.

The Land Shark Mode: Your Puppy Might Be Overtired!

If your puppy suddenly seems completely out of control, they may be overstimulated or exhausted.

Watch for signs such as:

• Suddenly biting much harder than usual

• Chasing your ankles or pant legs

• Running around wildly

• Ignoring toys they normally enjoy

• Barking, whining, or becoming unusually restless

• Seeming unable to stop or settle down

If your puppy has already been playing or training for a while, adding even more activity may make things worse.

Sometimes, the best solution isn't another game of fetch. It's a nap!

Why Punishing Puppy Biting Can Backfire

Those little puppy teeth can be surprisingly sharp. It's understandable to react by shouting, pushing your puppy away, or scolding them.

However, punishment doesn't necessarily teach your puppy what they should chew. It may also create negative associations with your hands and interactions with people.

Instead of focusing only on stopping the biting, teach your puppy which chewing behaviors are acceptable. Positive redirection and consistency can make training much more effective.

How to Stop a Puppy from Biting: 4 Practical Steps

When your puppy starts biting your hands or clothes, try redirecting their attention.

1. Stay Calm

Avoid suddenly pulling your hand or clothing away. To a playful puppy, that movement may feel like an exciting game of tug-of-war.

2. Offer an Appropriate Chew Toy

Keep a few puppy-safe toys and age-appropriate chew products nearby. When your puppy starts biting your hand, calmly offer one of these alternatives.

Help them learn: hands are not for chewing, but toys are!

3. Reward the Right Choice

When your puppy switches from your hand to their toy, praise them with a calm, positive voice. This reinforces the behavior you want to see.

4. Be Consistent

Your puppy won't learn everything in one day. They might stop biting your hand one moment and go right back to chewing your socks a few seconds later.

That's normal. Puppy training takes patience, repetition, and consistency.

Give Your Puppy Different Chewing Options

Not every puppy enjoys the same textures. During the teething stage, offering a variety of appropriate options can help keep them interested.

• Soft, flexible toys: Great for puppies who enjoy carrying toys around and exploring with their mouths.

• Puppy-safe chews: Some puppies prefer something with more resistance. Always choose products specifically designed for puppies and follow the recommended age and usage instructions.

• Chilled toys: Some puppies enjoy the cooling sensation of a chilled or frozen toy. Use only toys designed for this purpose.

• Lick-based activities: Licking activities offer mental enrichment and a calmer alternative to high-energy play.

Always supervise your puppy when they're chewing. Remove toys or chews if they crack, break apart, or become small enough to swallow.

Easy Frozen Enrichment Ideas for Teething Puppies

Frozen treats can give puppies something interesting to lick and explore while keeping them occupied.

Frozen Peanut Butter Lick Mat

Spread a small amount of peanut butter on a lick mat or freezer-safe toy, then freeze it.

Always check the ingredient label first. Peanut butter must be free of xylitol, an ingredient that is highly toxic to dogs.

Frozen Mashed Banana

Mash a small amount of ripe banana and place it inside a suitable lick toy. Freeze until firm.

Frozen Carrot Enrichment

You can also add a small amount of dog-safe food to a suitable enrichment toy and freeze it. Introduce new ingredients gradually and watch for any signs of digestive upset.

Remember that treats and enrichment foods count toward your puppy's daily calorie intake. Keep portions appropriate.

Why Puppy Sleep Is Just as Important as Playtime

Many first-time puppy parents assume that if their puppy is still awake, they must still have energy to burn.

Not necessarily!

Growing puppies need plenty of sleep. When they're overtired, they may become more excitable and develop behaviors that are harder to manage.

If your puppy starts biting excessively, running around wildly, and refusing to settle after a period of activity, try this routine:

1. Take your puppy out for a potty break.

2. Offer a short, calm interaction.

3. Provide an appropriate chew or licking activity.

4. Bring them to a quiet, comfortable resting area.

5. Reduce noise and other stimulation to help them settle.

Every puppy has different sleep needs, so don't worry too much about following an exact schedule. Pay attention to your puppy's behavior and adjust their rest time accordingly.

What NOT to Do When Your Puppy Bites

A few common reactions can make puppy biting harder to manage.

• Don't hit or physically punish your puppy. This doesn't teach them what to chew and may damage their trust in you.

• Don't use your hands as toys. If you regularly play biting or wrestling games with your hands, your puppy may struggle to understand when biting is allowed.

• Don't keep increasing activity. An already overstimulated puppy may become even more difficult to manage with additional high-energy play.

• Don't use random household items as toys. Old socks and shoes may seem convenient, but puppies won't understand why an old shoe is okay to chew while your new shoes are off-limits.

Stick to toys and chew products designed for dogs to help establish clear boundaries.

When Should You Seek Professional Help?

Puppy chewing and mouthing are common during development. However, some biting behaviors may require professional attention.

Consider consulting your veterinarian or a qualified positive-reinforcement trainer if your puppy:

• Frequently bites out of fear or anxiety

• Shows prolonged stiffness or defensive body language

• Repeatedly bites when touched

• Displays strong food or object guarding behavior

• Suddenly develops a significant change in behavior

• Becomes increasingly difficult to manage

If teething is accompanied by obvious pain, difficulty eating, excessive drooling, or other unusual symptoms, have your veterinarian check your puppy as well.

The Puppy Land Shark Survival Guide

The next time your little shark starts chasing your ankles, remember these five things:

• Chew: Provide appropriate puppy-safe chewing options.

• Redirect: Don't just say no. Show them what they can chew instead.

• Enrich: Try suitable frozen treats, lick toys, and other enrichment activities.

• Rest: Sometimes your puppy needs a comfortable bed more than another play session.

• Repeat: Consistency matters. Focus on progress, not perfection.

N-Bone Pet Care Corner: Build Good Habits During Puppy Teething

The puppy stage isn't just about growing bigger. It's also an important time to develop lifelong habits.

Just as puppies learn potty training, walking, and basic commands, they can also learn which things are okay to chew and which aren't.

Providing age-appropriate treats, chew products, and toys gives your puppy better outlets for their natural chewing instincts and makes everyday training more enjoyable.

At N-Bone, we offer products designed to support pets through different life stages and everyday care needs. Helping your puppy through the land shark stage isn't just about surviving the biting. It's about building healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Puppy Biting and Teething

1. Is it normal for puppies to bite people?

Yes! Mouthing, chewing, and exploring with their mouths are common puppy behaviors. The goal isn't to stop them from using their mouths altogether, but to teach them to chew appropriate toys and products instead.

2. Is it okay to let my puppy chew on my hands during playtime?

It's better not to use your hands as toys. Even if the biting is gentle now, your puppy may have a harder time understanding when biting is acceptable as they grow bigger.

3. Do frozen treats really help puppies during teething?

Chilled foods and enrichment activities can offer different textures and sensory experiences that some puppies enjoy. Choose puppy-safe ingredients and toys, keep portions small, and supervise your puppy during use.

4. Why does my puppy bite more at night?

If your puppy starts biting excessively after a full day of playing, training, and interacting, they may be overtired or overstimulated.

Instead of adding more playtime, try a potty break, a quiet activity, and some rest.

5. When will my puppy stop biting so much?

Puppy biting usually decreases as dogs mature, finish teething, and learn appropriate ways to play and chew.

Consistent redirection, suitable chew toys, enrichment activities, and enough sleep can all help puppies move through this stage.

A Final Reminder

Your puppy isn't trying to drive you crazy. They're simply learning about the world, and to them, your hands, socks, pant legs, and ankles might look like the most exciting chew toys ever!

Rather than fighting their natural urge to chew, give them the right direction. Redirect their teeth to appropriate toys, reward good choices, and provide safe chewing and enrichment activities.

And when your little land shark suddenly goes wild, remember: they might just need a nap.

This stage won't last forever, but the good habits you build today can stay with your puppy for life.