Puppies explore the world with their mouths, so mouthing, nibbling or play biting is a normal part of growing up. Learn how to manage it and what you can realistically expect as your dog grows.
Mouthing is different from aggressive biting, which is driven by fear or intent to create distance, but that doesn’t mean it can’t hurt. It’s okay to feel frustrated during this stage, especially when your hands, clothes or ankles are getting caught in the middle and it feels like things should be improving by now. With the right approach, most puppies make steady progress, and you’ll be able to support yours through this stage.
Why puppies mouth
Puppies mouth for several reasons:
- Exploration - young dogs use their mouths to learn about objects, textures and people.
- Play – mouthing is a natural part of puppy play with their littermates, and they often try the same behaviour with humans.
- Teething – younger puppies mouth more when their adult teeth are coming through around 16 weeks old to help soothe their gums.
- Excitement or frustration – many puppies mouth when they’re over‑stimulated, tired, or struggling to cope with a situation.
- Avoiding something they don’t enjoy – puppies can mouth to try to move away from situations they aren’t used to, like being handled or groomed.
When mouthing becomes a problem
Most puppies start to grow out of mouthing by around five to six months. For some dogs – especially larger breeds who take longer to mature – this behaviour can continue into their first year and sometimes up to 18–24 months. It should be steadily reducing over time – not becoming more frequent or more intense.
If your dog is still mouthing regularly, it can be painful, frustrating and worrying. It’s a good sign they need a bit more guidance to help them move on from this stage.
How to manage puppy mouthing or biting
Figure out their triggers
Understanding what sets your puppy off helps you prevent the behaviour. Common triggers may include:
- Getting over‑excited during play
- Being touched when they’re tired
- Feeling frustrated when a game stops
- Seeing people come through the door
- Being handled for grooming or putting on a lead
- When they are tired and aren’t able to settle.
Manage your response
How you react makes a big difference. Try to:
- Stay calm and avoid shouting or sudden movements.
- Keep your hands still rather than pulling them away which can encourage further mouthing.
- Pause what you’re doing so the mouthing doesn’t lead to more attention.
Redirect their attention
Try offering play before the mouthing starts if you notice predictable times of day when they get nippy.
Give your puppy something appropriate to put their mouth on:
- A chew toy
- A long rope toy
- A soft toy
- A stuffed Kong
- A safe chew or teething item.
This teaches them what is acceptable and helps them release energy in a better way.
Reward calm behaviour
Notice and reward your puppy when they:
Sit or behave calmly – If your puppy is over-excited, start by rewarding simple behaviours like keeping all paws on the ground before building up to a sit. This helps them learn that calm behaviour gets your attention, not mouthing. Teach your dog to sit.
Keep their mouth to themselves – Notice and interact with your puppy when they choose an appropriate toy or find a suitable outlet for their chewing.
Choose a toy instead of your hands or clothes – Some puppies don’t yet know what behaviour you’re asking for. If they’re unsure, teaching simple alternatives like picking up a toy or doing a hand touch can show them a clear, positive way to interact with you.
Use short time‑outs
If your puppy keeps mouthing despite redirection:
- Briefly remove yourself from the situation – step out of the room or gently guide your puppy to a safe space like their pen or behind a baby gate
- Keep time‑outs short and consistent
- If you’re using a camera, check whether your puppy has settled or fallen asleep – they may simply be overtired, and going back too soon could disturb them.
- Return when they’re calm.
This teaches them that mouthing makes the fun stop.
Be wary of rough play
Games like wrestling or fast, hands‑on play can encourage mouthing. You can still play energetic games, but it’s important to help your puppy learn how to manage their excitement and settle afterwards.
- Use toys to keep distance between your hands and their mouth.
- Build in short breaks to help them calm down.
- If they start to get too excited, pause the game and guide them towards something calmer – like asking for a sit or giving them a chew.
How long does it take to stop mouthing?
Every dog is different, but with consistent training most puppies improve over a few weeks. For dogs older than 6 months, it may take longer because the behaviour has become a habit.
Progress often depends on how quickly you can spot what’s causing the mouthing and make sure your dog’s needs are being met. If the same triggers keep coming up and are hard to avoid each day, things may naturally take longer to improve. When you can understand and reduce those triggers, it helps stop the mouthing from happening in the first place.
The key is:
- Repeating the same calm, clear responses every time.
- Predictable routines
- Plenty of rest, exercise and positive mental stimulation
- Consistency from everyone in the household
Managing puppy mouthing around children
Children can accidentally trigger mouthing by running, squealing or playing roughly, which can easily over‑excite a puppy. Some puppies also struggle when children are always nearby or don’t give them enough space.
To keep things safe and calm:
- Always supervise children and your puppy.
- Teach children to move calmly, use quiet voices, and offer toys instead of hands.
- If mouthing starts, end the interaction calmly by giving the puppy a short break or having the child step away.
- Keep play short and structured, and avoid rough games or chasing.
- Calm, predictable interactions help puppies learn gentler behaviour and help children feel confident around them.
What to do if nothing is working
If your dog’s mouthing is getting worse, becoming more intense, or you’re struggling to manage it, it’s worth getting personalised support. A qualified behaviourist or trainer can help identify what’s driving the behaviour and create a plan tailored to your dog. Contact our Behaviour Advice Service for support on 020 3887 8347 or dog.behaviour@battersea.org.uk
While you’re waiting for support, it can help to:
- Keep a simple record of your dog’s day – note their routine, when the mouthing happens, and what was going on at the time.
- Look for patterns or triggers – if you spot anything that regularly sets the behaviour off, try to reduce or avoid it where possible.
This information gives the behaviourist a clearer picture of what’s happening and helps them support you more effectively.
