Puppy Mouthing

Puppies explore with their mouths in a similar way that humans explore with their hands.  While this is normal for puppies to use their mouths when they play with one another, it can become a problem when this behaviour is displayed when playing with humans.

How much is too much?

A good rule of thumb is that puppies or dogs should never use their teeth or mouths on humans at all.  It is up to us to teach them bite inhibition, to set boundaries and stop this behaviour from becoming a real problem.

Puppies learn early how much is too much.  Their mother will let the puppy know quickly and in no uncertain terms that nipping is unacceptable.  She will correct with a growl or will physically move and correct the puppy with her mouth.  Littermates will play, wrestle and tumble around until one puppy bites down too hard.  The other pup will let out a piercing yelp sound, and then proceed to walk away.  This message lets the other puppy know that play time ends when it gets out of control.  This lesson is very important and if humans can continue with bite inhibition, you will have an easier time teaching your puppy manners.

Puppies need to have structure and boundaries from the first day they enter into your family.  They will benefit from expectations that are consistently enforced by every family member.  If mouthing has not been under control once they reach adolescence, you will have a harder to deal with dog with a larger jaw!  Mouthing can also be a way in which your pup can start to control you, and begin to assume a leadership role.

What can you do?

Puppies use their mouths to investigate and learn about their environment.  Providing appropriate toys for them during puppyhood can sometimes help to solve a biting problem.  Ensure that toys are durable and do not have pieces that could be broken off and ingested.  Other frozen treats such as cut up carrot sticks or ice cubes of chicken/beef stock make good treats as well as can help soothe irritated gums from teething. 

If your pup is chewing on you, try using the wounded puppy sound or a growl sound that a mom would make.  It is important to freeze your hand and not pull it away.  The movement of the hand can start a “game” for puppy.  Once the pup stops the action, give praise or the back of your hand for them to lick (this shows deference).  You can then give them an appropriate toy, avoid giving them a toy while their teeth are on you as this action rewards the wrong behaviour.  If the puppy is persistent, use a water spray to help deter them from trying again.

When puppies are young, it is a good idea to start handling them so that they are comfortable with their feet held, tooth brushes, dog brushes etc.  By softly handling their paws, you can start nail trimming in a positive manner.  Similarly, putting dog toothpaste on your finger and massaging their gums can help set them up for teeth brushing later on. 

Avoid games like “tug of war” which teach the puppy to take something away from you.  If the puppy “wins” the toy, they are learning that they can be the leader. 

If your puppy is continuously biting and nipping, it is important to look at why this is still occurring.  They learn behaviours by our actions, if we are not consistent with them; they learn that they can still do this behaviour.

Don’t forget, training needs to be a way of life.  In the dog pack, the leader must reinforce their position.  The leader’s job is to provide structure, food and discipline when needed.  If you do not fill the role, dogs will take your place as the leader.

Correcting Puppy Behaviour

Discipline does not mean punishment.  It merely means that you are correcting an unwanted behaviour and replacing it with a desirable one.  Training should start immediately when the puppy becomes a part of your family.  If there are children in the family, it is important that they follow the rules as well as dogs tend to see them as subordinates.

Participating in a puppy training class (even if you have had dogs before) can be one of the most beneficial moves you can make.  Training classes help forge the bond of owner and pup, plus it gives them social time with other puppies and dogs in a positive way.

The whole family should be a part of the class and be able to practice the homework. 

Note: Young children cannot be expected to practice this type of leadership and behaviour modification. A young child's reaction to being nipped or jumped on is often to squeal, push the puppy, or pull their hands away. A puppy usually interprets this as play, gets more excited and nips and jump more. This leads to children being hurt and/or developing a fear of the puppy. WAG recommends that parents wait until their children are older before adopting a puppy. Refer also to our Pets and Children information.