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How do I stop my 9-month-old dog from biting and nipping people?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My 9 month old has started to bite and nipping in the house he thinks it's a game but he has just started to do it to other people when out for a walk, we have tried pinning him down, putting him in another room, water spray but seems to come across that he thinks it's a game. Any tips would help, he has been nurtured.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on March 27th, 2017

This can be very frustrating behavior! By 9 months old, your dog should have all of his adult teeth, so teething behavior is not involved and this is more likely a learned behavior and may be attention seeking. Anytime your dog bites at you, try putting an appropriate chew toy in his mouth and walk away, ignoring him for a few minutes. When you come back to him, there is no need to scold, but just praise the times when he interacts with you or plays appropriately. Consistency in repeating this action is typically the key and you may need to continue this training for weeks to months to see full effect. If after this time, this is still ineffective, consider consulting a veterinary behaviorist.

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