07/31/2025
Great info
🐶 Puppy Biting and Mouthing Checklist ☑️
Puppies are going to bite and mouth; it's part of how they explore the world! Even then, we realize that it's not an enjoyable experience. Those teeth are sharp!
How do we address it?
☑️ Have all of their needs been met? Food, water, potty, and exercise
☑️ Have they been getting enough sleep, or have they been awake for too long? Puppies need up to 18-20 hours of sleep per day.
☑️ What appropriate chewing items are readily available to them? They should have access to chews, enrichment items, and toys of different textures and types
☑️ Are they being handled too much? Sometimes we unintentionally frustrate puppies by constantly touching them, restraining them, picking them up, and interrupting them without redirecting them, which can lead to an increase in mouthiness.
Redirecting puppies to appropriate chews, toys, or other activities is the best way to combat mouthiness. If the biting continues after attempts to redirect, return to the checklist!
While most puppy biting and mouthing is to be expected, there are times when it escalates past the point of what is "normal". Do not hesitate to reach out to us if it feels extreme or atypical. We can help, whether you're local to us or not! 💙
