Why Does My Dog Nip and Play Bite? Safe Training
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Vet verified. Written by Elle Padgham, Communications Lead. Reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon MVB MRCVS, Team Vet.
Play mouthing is common in puppies, but the response should protect skin and teach a safer alternative. Stop interaction calmly, redirect to an appropriate toy and reward soft, controlled play. Do not hit, alpha-roll or frighten the dog.
However, how they choose to show affection, distaste or play can sometimes transform into a problematic habit. Particularly when it comes to nipping, biting and how they explore the world with their chompers.
In the right context, mouthing can be a healthy form of play for dogs but the older and bigger they get, it can become an issue, especially outside the home.
We're here to explore why dogs nip, mouth and play bite, and what you can do to successfully tackle it.
Why does my puppy nip, mouth and play bite?
It is a normal part of young dog’s development to nip, chew and test boundaries.
Puppies explore the world with their noses and mouths and like to nibble on the world around them.
For some, this behavior continues into their adult years.
Why do older dogs nip, bite and mouth?
There are a range of reasons your dog may continue to nibble and nip including:
Playing
Most of the time, we are dealing with a cheeky dog who is having a bit of fun. They don’t likely realize just how sharp their teeth are and how sensitive our skin can be.
For them, mouthing or a play bite often results in a hand or foot that moves and a loud yelp; what fun! The more we react, the more they are likely to think it is all a big game.
How to approach play-biting
Work hard on not reacting and making your hand or foot limp when they bite it.
Act disinterested and don’t make noise. Dogs will quickly find this reaction boring.
When they play nicely, give them lots of praise and training treats to encourage them.
Teething
From about the ages of 4 to 7 months, dogs are teething.
This can be uncomfortable, and chewing can provide some relief.
Dogs will choose anything from shoes, toys or even us to satisfy their need. To steer them on the right path, make sure they have plenty of teething toys and puppy chews.
How to tackle chewing during teething
As well as shopping around for teething toys that you can use to redirect chewing, one top tip is soaking a flannel or cloth in dog-safe broth (or gravy that does not contain any garlic or onion) and popping it into the freezer.
Once frozen, you can give it to your dog as an enriching treat that will ease any gum inflammation and provide a welcome distraction to their aching mouths.
Attention-seeking
For many dogs, being ignored is their idea of hell. Some would actually choose negative attention over no attention at all.
So, they may learn to chew on furniture because they know it gets a reaction.
How to tackle attention-seeking chewing
You can avoid this negative behavior by ensuring your dog is kept occupied with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Reacting in any other way, including picking them up and telling them no, is giving them the attention they crave. The best way forward is to deter them and teach them the correct behavior through exposure and positive experiences.
Anxiety
Nervous dogs may nibble and chew in an effort to ‘self-soothe’. They may also lick their paws or howl.
If you are concerned your dog is anxious, speak to their veterinarian. They may well benefit from interventions such as a behavior modification programme, calming supplements and a calming diet, like our Calm & Relaxed range. You could also use our Calming Probiotic Meaty Treats to reward desired behavior.
A more extreme version of this would be separation anxiety; whereby dogs become highly stressed when left alone.
Some will chew so much that they damage your property and their teeth. This disorder requires professional attention from trainers, behaviorists or advice from your veterinarian.
Bad habits
For some, chomping and chewing has been going on for so long that it has simply become part of everyday life.
What may have started as a tool to ease the pain of toothing can become a lifelong bad habit if not nipped in the bud.
When you've successfully deterred your puppy from opting for nipping and biting to get your attention, reward them with some tasty dog treats when they do as we ask.
This kind of positive reinforcement training works well as dogs inherently like to please their owners.
Remember that a dog using their mouth to bite and nibble is a normal part of their development. It is up to us to direct them toward something more positive and to encourage the kind of behavior we want to see!
A practical play-biting plan
- Keep a long toy within reach before play begins.
- When teeth touch skin or clothing, freeze and remove attention briefly.
- Resume with the toy when the dog is calm enough to choose it.
- Reward four paws on the floor, gentle mouths and voluntary pauses.
- End before the dog becomes overtired or overaroused.
- Use gates and distance to protect children while training develops.
Normal play versus a safety concern
Loose curved bodies, role reversals, pauses and both dogs returning to play are reassuring. Stiff posture, repeated pinning, escape attempts, guarding, injury or one dog unable to disengage requires intervention. Separate without grabbing between dogs. A sudden behavior change, bite that punctures skin, guarding, pain, fear or escalating intensity deserves veterinary and qualified behavior assessment.
Teething and sleep matter
Provide puppy-safe chew items matched to size and supervise them. Rotate texture without offering objects that splinter or can be swallowed. Puppies often become mouthier when tired, so planned naps and shorter play sessions can be more effective than adding exercise. Human hands should not be the toy.
Trusted behavior guidance
AVSAB humane dog training position statement
Related guides: helping a teething puppy, puppy aggression and safety and the dog behavior hub.