A guide to stop puppy biting

• A variety of safe and appropriate chews and toys
• A puppy pen, crate, or baby gates for management
• My free downloadable Puppy Biting Guide

• Understand ‘why’ they bite: First, know that this is normal puppy behaviour. It’s how they explore the world and learn. It’s not aggression. The goal is to teach them what is appropriate to put their mouth on.
• Evening madness: There may be certain times in the day they get really bitey – so be proactive and do some fun training before they start biting you – this will harness that energy.
• Redirect: When your puppy nips your hand or clothes, calmly redirect them onto an appropriate toy. Always have a toy handy for a quick swap. This teaches them “you can’t chew this, but you can chew this.”
• If redirecting doesn’t work: Calmly put them behind a gate or in a crate for a couple of minutes to calm down, then let them out again. If they do it again just repeat. If they keep biting, and all other needs are met, then they may need a nap.
• Manage the environment: Use puppy pens and gates to create a safe space. This prevents your puppy from practicing unwanted biting when you can’t actively supervise them. Management is the key to preventing bad habits.
• Enforce nap time: An overtired puppy is a bitey puppy! Just like a toddler, your puppy needs lots of sleep (18-20 hours a day). Enforcing regular naps in their crate or pen is often the fastest way to reduce biting.
• Download my in-depth Puppy Biting Guide for more detailed strategies and solutions.

Filled calf hooves, Kongs, and other long-lasting chews can be an excellent way to keep your puppy calm and occupied during those typical bitey moments.

Important Safety Note

Always supervise your puppy when they have a calf hoof or any long-lasting chew.
If the hoof becomes small enough to swallow or begins to splinter, remove it immediately. If you need to take the hoof away, always trade for a treat and lift it calmly. This helps your puppy learn that giving things up is positive and nothing to worry about.

Why Calf Hooves Help

• They provide an engaging activity.
• They reduce begging and attention-seeking during meals.
• They encourage calm, settled behaviour.
• They last longer than most chews.

Puppy-Safe Filling Ideas

• Puppy-appropriate wet food mixed with kibble
• Soaked puppy kibble in warm water.
• Plain (xylitol-free) yoghurt
• Mashed banana
• Freezing the filled hoof to make it last even longer

• If redirection doesn’t work, calmly remove yourself for 30 seconds to teach that biting makes the fun stop.
• Try not to shout at or punish your puppy for biting; this can create fear and anxiety. Patience is key here as they are still learning.
• Download my in-depth Puppy Biting Guide for more detailed strategies and solutions.