Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My puppy keeps biting my hands. How can I stop this nipping?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Siberian Husky | Male | unneutered | 5 months and 25 days old

How do I train or stop my dog from nipping and gnawing at my (and others) hand as his teeth is getting sharp and I don't want it to become a habit. How do I approach this?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on March 26th, 2017

I see that Chance is still a puppy, only about six months old :) Biting and mouthing is very normal behavior in a puppy this age - this is how puppies explore the world, and how they instinctively want to play. Chance is also teething right now, which often increases mouthy behavior. This is a normal developmental stage that will resolve on its own as he gets older, but there are a few things you can do in the meantime to help. First, make sure that he has a variety of different toys available to provide an appropriate outlet for this behavior - long floppy rope or fleece toys for tugging, plush toys for biting and carrying, and smaller toys or balls for chasing and fetching. He should also have lots of different things to chew on, such as bully sticks, large rawhide chews, cow or pig ears, and puzzle toys such as a Kong stuffed with peanut butter. If he bites you during play, just redirect him to one of his toys and use that to play with him instead. If you're petting him and he bites your hands, calmly stop petting and ignore him until he calms down. This behavior resolves in most dogs by 12-18 months of age, sometimes sooner - so just be patient and consistent in the meantime while he learns. :)

Vote icon

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on January 24th, 2017

    Puppies this age will bite and chew out of curiosity, when bored or playing and during teething. You can teach Bella what is appropriate to chew and what isn't very easily. When she chews/bites inappropriately, stop playing and offer a stern "No" or "No bite". Once she stops, offer an appropriate sized chew toy. Praise her when she complies. Cease play if she doesn't until she calms down. Avoid rough play or activities that get her too riled up. Be firm and be consistent. For teething, you can buy chews toys that can be frozen them given. A wet washcloth can also be frozen to provide relief for sensitive gums.

    Vote icon

    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu lost teeth after an accident. How can I feed him soft foods?
Your degu had an accident, lost teeth, and can't eat hard food. A Petco Vet Tech offers crucial advice on immediate vet care and how to feed your injured degu.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu has trouble breathing, coughing, and nose discharge. Help?
Is your degu struggling to breathe, coughing, or have nasal discharge? A trusted vet offers vital guidance on respiratory issues like pneumonia and how to help.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My sick small pet is breathing mouth open. Did I drown her feeding?
Is your pet ill, struggling to breathe, or showing stroke signs? A certified vet addresses syringe feeding worries, discusses causes, and outlines treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is there a chart for dog food protein biological value and digestibility?
Dog food protein's biological value & digestibility: A vet explains why data is complex. Learn to judge quality by company reputation and your dog's health.
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored