When Do Puppies Stop Biting?

Wondering when your pup will stop mouthing and nipping at your hands? It might seem like it will never end, but your puppy is actually biting for a few different reasons.

If you take a look at the American Kennel Club’s puppy growth timeline, you’ll see that your puppy’s first set of teeth emerges at 4 weeks old, and their adult teeth come in at about 12-24 weeks old.

If this is your first experience getting nipped and mouthed by a puppy, you may be surprised at just how much it hurts.

Puppies begin teething at about 3-4 months old.

This is typically when you might notice your puppy start biting more.

Why Do Puppies Bite?

puppy biting ankles

Puppies bite because of teething, but they also bite because they’re playing!

Your puppy might not be teething quite yet, but you might notice them biting by about 9 weeks old, which is the time they usually settle into their new home and begin exploring and playing.

Similar to babies, puppies explore the world around them with their mouths.

And, if your puppy is separated from their siblings, they may be missing out on some vital play and communication.

Not to worry! You can train your puppy to stop biting as hard with a technique called “bite inhibition.”

When Do Puppies Stop Biting?

puppy biting face

It depends on your puppy’s disposition and a few other factors, but generally speaking, you can expect your puppy to stop biting by around 7 months old.

Fortunately, there are ways to help stop your puppy from biting you even before all of their adult teeth are in.

Related: Best Harness for Puppy Training

When Do Puppies Stop Teething?

Your puppy’s adult teeth should all be in between 12-24 months old.

When To Worry About How Much Your Puppy is Biting

puppy biting clothing

Playful nipping and teething are fairly easy to identify, even with some growling.

Pay attention to the signs of aggression and book an appointment with a trainer if you believe your puppy is showing any of the following signs of aggression:

  • Growling
  • Snarling
  • Snapping
  • Lunging
  • Aggressive barking
  • Possessiveness
  • Dominant body language
  • Mounting
  • Lip curling

How to Get Your Puppy To Stop Biting

walking puppy on a leash

I have a full guide on getting your puppy to stop biting, but the short version is as follows:

  • Redirect your puppy
  • Provide toys with different textures
  • Teach bite inhibition
  • Try teething treats
  • Try an indoor leash

Most of all, give it time. Your puppy will grow out of it before you know it.

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Does your puppy bite while playing or teething? What has helped you and what’s been a bust? Let us know in the comments below.

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