You knew having a puppy would be a big responsibility — and you were ready. You read up on housebreaking, worked out your commands for leash etiquette and puppy-proofed your home. And you were thrilled to discover that your new furry bundle of joy was the sweetest, most mild-mannered puppy you'd ever met. So when you first felt your dog nipping, you were truly caught off guard.
If you're worried your puppy parenting is to blame, you'll be relieved to know that puppy play biting is very common, even among the most well-behaved pups. But why do dogs nip? And how can you curb the habit while your dog is still young? Let's explore the science behind nipping and ways you can train your puppy to stop this behavior.
Why Do Puppies Nip?
Dog nipping, or puppy play biting, generally involves a quick, sharp bite without the intent to cause harm. It's more like mouthing — though the teeth are present and you may feel a pinch, it's not an aggressive behavior; rather, it's due to your pup's lack of self-control or understanding.
Much like babies, puppies use their mouths to learn about the world. That, plus the inevitable need to teethe, leads puppies toward behaviors such as mouthing or jawing on objects, or perhaps getting too frisky during playtime and biting. Puppies often don't know their own strength or just how sharp their teeth truly are.
Tasty Tips
How to Stop Your Puppy's Nipping
When puppies are young, they learn "bite inhibition" from their mothers and fellow puppies. As the American Kennel Club explains, "If puppies bite while nursing, [their mother] will nip them or stand up and walk away, taking the breakfast buffet with her." And as puppies play together, "if a puppy ... bites too hard, the sibling will jump up and yelp." In these ways, puppies learn there are consequences for biting.
As a dog parent, you too can teach bite inhibition to your puppy. Here's what the ASPCA recommends:
- Let your dog mouth your hand during playtime until they start to bear down.
- Once they bite, let out a loud, high yelp and let your hand go limp. (This imitates the behavior of puppies who are bitten too hard during play, and it should startle your puppy enough for them to stop biting.)
- Once your puppy stops biting, positively reinforce the change in behavior with praise. Continue this up to three times in a given 15- or 20-minute time frame.
If, over time, you find this strategy is unsuccessful, consider reaching out to your veterinarian or pet supply store to get other training tips, or to find a professional dog trainer who can help you set up your pup for a bite-free future.
Another tactic is to redirect their nipping behavior and give them a good chew toy. Whenever they are feeling particularly rambunctious, remove the object of their desire (your hand) from the equation and replace it with something that is more suitable to bite down on. Over time, they will learn that biting their chew toy is acceptable, while hands are not.
Even the calmest and best behaved puppy can be prone to nipping — it's just their nature. The good news is that with the right approach, practice and positive reinforcement, you can teach your puppy not to nip and prepare your four-legged friend for a lifetime of good socialization and great behavior.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports energy level & luxurious coat in Small & Mini dogs. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Large Breed
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Large Breed dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat. In a delicious large bite size for large breed dogs.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Tender Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Barley Dog Food
Turkey & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Savory Stew with Chicken & Vegetables
Chicken & Vegetables recipe with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to help your puppy build immunity and strong bones
null Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Hearty Beef, Carrots & Peas Stew Dog Food
Delicious braised beef paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Hill's Science Diet Adult Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Small & Mini Chicken Recipe dog food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Paws Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small Paws 7+ dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Small & Mini Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Savory Stew with Chicken & Vegetables Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Savory Stew with Beef & Vegetables Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small Paws dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Large Breed Chicken, Brown Rice & Whole Oats Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome. Delicious food in a large bite size
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Savory Stew with Chicken & Zucchini Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Small Bites Chicken, Brown Rice & Whole Oats Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome. Delicious food in a small bite size
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Small & Mini Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports healthy joints, lean muscle, and beautiful coat for large breed dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Small Bites Chicken, Whole Oats & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+. Delicious food in a small bite size
Hill's Science Diet Adult 6+ Large Breed No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
Related articles
Angular Limb Deformities in Dogs: Types, Causes & Treatment
Learn about angular limb deformities in dogs, including types of deformities, why they happen and treatment options for dogs that have this condition.
Canine Influenza Vaccine: What You Need to Know
While canine influenza is a newer condition, it can be troublesome for your pup. Learn about dog flu symptoms & which types of dogs should get vaccinated.
Heartworms in Dogs: What You Need to Know
Learn the facts about what heartworms really are, symptoms & signs he might exhibit if he's infected, and treatment options to help him get rid of them.
Grain-Free Dog Food: Is it Right For Your Dog?
Learn what grain free dog food really means for your dog. Discover whether or not Hill's line of grain free products is right for your dog.
Are There Dog-Safe Hair Dyes?
Read about options for dog-safe hair dye, including which breeds and hair types work best with dyes and how to safely apply it to your dog's coat.
Dogs & Table Food: Why to Avoid Feeding Them Scraps
While feeding your dog table food or scraps might seem innocent, it can actually be harmful for them. Learn reasons to avoid feeding scraps to your pup.
How Do I Know If My Dog Likes Day Care?
Learn tell-tale signs to figure out if your dog really likes going to day care, as well as signs that it might be time to explore other day care options.
Dog Ear Cropping, Tail Docking and Other Cosmetic Canine Surgeries to Avoid
Learn about the most common cosmetic canine surgeries like dog ear cropping, dewclaw removal & tail docking, and why vets usually recommend avoiding them.
What Should I Do for a Dog with a Splinter?
Discover helpful information on how to tell if your dog has a splinter, steps you can take to help, and when you need to seek help from a veterinarian.
Cardiomyopathy in Dogs: What You Need to Know
Learn the basics about cardiomyopathy in dogs, including types of this condition, breeds affected, symptoms dogs might show and how veterinarians treat it.
Tips for Feeding Two Dogs at Once
Learn how to manage feeding two dogs at once, including why separation is important and tips if you have one dog that tries to steal the other dog's food.
Why Science Matters in Your Dog's Food
Learn why scientific research is important in formulating quality dog food, especially for things like taste, size, texture and nutritional ingredients.
Building a Dog Park in Your Own Backyard
Learn how to create your own backyard dog park, possibly with materials you already have, so that your dog can enjoy the benefits of a dog park at home.
What Happens When a Dog Drinks Alcohol?
Learn what happens when a dog drinks alcohol, how serious alcohol can be for his health, and the steps to take if your pup ever sneaks a sip.
Why Is My Dog's Stomach Making Noises?
Why is my dog's stomach making noises? If you're concerned about the sounds coming from your pup's stomach, read on to learn what might be causing it.
Can Dogs Actually Get Hiccups?
Can Dogs Get Hiccups?
Dog Carrier Bags: What You Need to Know
Discover helpful tips for choosing the right dog carrier bag or purse for your tiny pup, including safety features to look for & when a dog purse is ideal.
Keeping Older Dogs Young: How to Encourage Vitality
Understand the signs of aging in dogs, so you know what to look for, and learn how to keep him feeling youthful and vibrant in his golden years.
Why Do Dogs Like Belly Rubs? (And What If My Dog Doesn't?)
Why do dogs like belly rubs? Learn what your dog is really telling you when he wants a belly rub (and why other dogs may not want one).
How to Keep Dogs Active in Winter
How to Keep Dogs Active in Winter
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.