Nipping and biting
My puppy nips at hands, feet and trouser legs.
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First, quickly: does any of these apply?
If so, we’ll show you where to find the right help.
Has a bite ever broken the skin, or does he bite down hard and is hard to interrupt?
Does he growl, go stiff or snap when someone touches him, picks him up or takes something away from him?
Is he suddenly nipping much more than usual, or mainly when a particular part of his body is touched?
Does he nip very often without breaking the skin, and is hard to redirect with toys?
Please answer all the questions.
What helps today:
How it’s done: toy instead of hand
The puppy playfully nips at the person’s low-held hand. The hand first stays still and then slowly moves to the chest. The person picks up a toy from the floor and offers it; the puppy takes it in its mouth, lies down and chews on it.
Tired puppies nip more
After playing, the puppy is wound up. The person calmly takes it to its sleeping spot and gives it a chew; the puppy chews on it and then falls asleep while the person calmly watches.
- Keep a chew toy ready everywhere and offer it before the teeth land on your hand.
- If he nips: don’t snatch your hand away quickly, or it turns into a chasing game. Keep still and offer the toy.
- If the teeth still land on your skin again: end the game very calmly and turn away for 10–30 seconds. Then carry on with a toy.
- After play and training, plan fixed sleep breaks in a quiet spot. Overtired puppies nip more.
- After wild moments, something calm helps: sniffing, licking a lick mat or chewing.
- Children and the puppy are only together under supervision. A baby gate creates breaks for both.
- Stay friendly. Scolding or holding the puppy roughly causes fear and can make the nipping worse.
Why this happens
Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and chewing feels good while their teeth are changing. They often nip most when they are overtired or wound up, or when nipping has set off a fun game in the past. This is normal and can be learned.
Practise for the long term
- Redirecting nipping (bite inhibition)Teeth belong on the toy, not on your hand
- Chewing allowed: chews instead of furnitureChewing is a need: give your dog the right things
- Swap and “Drop”Letting go pays off, and often the toy comes back
- Rest and sleep routineAfter play comes a break
When to see a professional?
If it doesn’t get better, starts suddenly or worries you: a professional can look at your dog. An app can’t do that.
Where to find helpAs of: October 2026