How to Stop Puppy Nipping

by Katherine Khoo February 19, 2026 5 min read

If you’ve just welcomed a playful puppy into your home, you’ve probably discovered that those tiny teeth can be surprisingly sharp! Nipping is one of the most common frustrations new dog owners face but don’t worry, it’s completely normal. Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and learning to control their bite (bite inhibition) is a skill they need to develop early on. Teaching your puppy bite inhibition early sets the foundation for a well-mannered, gentle dog. Let’s dive into bite inhibition, what it is, and learn how you can stop puppy nipping before it becomes a bigger problem.

What Is Bite Inhibition?

Bite inhibition is essentially your dog’s ability to control how hard they bite. Puppies naturally learn this while playing with their littermates. When one puppy bites too hard, the other puppy yelps, stops playing, or walks away. Over time, the biter learns that biting too hard ends the fun and begins to control the force of their bite.

Puppies that leave their litter too early or don’t get enough guidance from humans may not develop this skill naturally. That’s why early training from you is key. Bite inhibition isn’t just about keeping your hands safe. It’s also an important part of helping your puppy grow into a well-adjusted adult dog.

Why Puppies Nip

Before you start training, it helps to understand why your puppy is nipping. Most of the time, nipping is completely normal and has a few common causes:

Teething pain: Puppies get sharp, itchy teeth around 3–6 months of age, making their mouths very sensitive.
Play and excitement: Nipping is often just part of play. Your puppy is learning social cues and testing boundaries.
Overstimulation: When puppies get excited, nipping can happen.
Exploration: Puppies explore everything with their mouths and your fingers or feet are no exception!

Understanding the reason behind the nipping will help you respond in the right way. For example, teething may need chew toys, while overstimulation may need a short break.

When to Start Training

The best time to start teaching bite inhibition is as early as 8 weeks old. Puppies are like little sponges at this age. They pick up lessons quickly. The earlier you start, the easier it is to set boundaries before nipping becomes a habit. Even if your puppy is a little older, it’s never too late to teach them. The key is consistency and patience.

How to Teach Bite Inhibition

Here’s a friendly guide to helping your puppy learn to control their bite:

1. React Immediately to Hard Bites

Timing is everything. If your puppy bites too hard:

Say ouch! in a firm, high-pitched voice.
Immediately stop playing and withdraw attention.
Stand up or turn away for 10–20 seconds.

This mimics how puppies learn from their littermates: biting too hard ends playtime. Over time, your puppy will understand that soft play keeps the fun going.

2. Redirect to Chew Toys

Always have chew toys ready. When your puppy starts nipping:

Calmly offer a toy instead of your hand. The Kong Puppy Teething Dog Toy is a great option for teething puppies. Another good option for teething puppies is the Kong Puppy Dog Toy as it can be filled with treats and frozen. The cold sensation numbs and soothes their aching gums.
Praise them when they chew the toy instead.

This shows your puppy what’s okay to bite and what isn’t. It also helps with teething pain because they have something safe to chew.

3. Avoid Rough Play with Hands

It might seem fun to wrestle with your puppy or let them chase your fingers, but this sends mixed signals. Hands are for petting, not play. Instead, use toys like those listed below to keep boundaries clear while still letting your puppy have fun.

Tug ropes like this Ruffwear Gourdo™ Interactive Rubber Throw Dog Toy.
Soft plush toys. The Zee.Dog Rubber Core Plush 2-In-1 Dog Chew comes with a super tough natural rubber core that’s ready to be chewed on.
Chew toys like this Spike! Chew and Fetch Donut Crab Chew Toy for Dogs.

4. Use Time-Outs When Needed

If your puppy is overstimulated or keeps nipping:

Remove them from play for a brief time-out.
Place them in a safe, quiet area for 30–60 seconds.

This isn’t punishment. It’s a chance for your puppy to calm down. It teaches them that nipping ends fun, but gentle behaviour brings it back.

5. Ensure Enough Rest

A tired puppy is often a nippy puppy. Most puppies need 18–20 hours of sleep per day. Proper rest reduces overstimulation and keeps nipping in check. So, make sure they have:

Quiet areas for naps.
A consistent sleep schedule.
A calm environment for downtime.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-meaning owners can make mistakes. Avoid these common errors:

Shouting, hitting, or punishing your puppy. This can increase fear and aggression.
Holding your puppy’s mouth shut or forcing them to stop.
Using bitter sprays on skin or hands. Puppies learn better through guidance, not fear.
Encouraging rough play “just for fun.” This sends confusing messages.

Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are far more effective.

How Long Does Bite Inhibition Take?

With consistent training:

You may see improvement in 1–2 weeks.
Significant reduction usually happens in 4–6 weeks.

Teething-related nipping typically fades once adult teeth come in, provided your puppy has learned proper bite control.

When to Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, nipping can signal bigger behavioural issues. Early intervention prevents long-term problems and ensures both you and your puppy feel safe. Consider consulting a professional if:

Biting becomes aggressive.
Growling or snapping increases.
Nipping breaks the skin.

Final Tips

Consistency is key: Every member of the household should respond the same way to nipping.
Reward gentle behaviour: Praise, treats, and attention go a long way.
Be patient: Puppies are learning a lot. Bite inhibition takes time, but it’s worth it.
Focus on fun: Training doesn’t have to be serious all the time. Keep sessions short, positive, and playful.

Puppy nipping can be frustrating, but it’s normal. Teaching bite inhibition early is not just about keeping your hands safe. It’s about helping your puppy grow into a gentle, well-mannered adult dog.

With patience, consistency, and the right tools, you’ll see your puppy learn to play nicely, chew on appropriate toys, and keep those tiny teeth in check.

Remember: every yelp, toy redirect, and gentle timeout is a lesson for life. Soon, you’ll be enjoying cuddles instead of scratches and a happier, well-behaved puppy!