Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

How do I stop my 2-month-old puppy from biting my hands so much?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 2 months and 6 days old

Hi! Is it okay to cut the teeth of a 2 month old puppy? Because he bites a lot and I'm afraid he could accidentally bite our hands while playing.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on November 16th, 2016

No, please do not cut your puppy's teeth - this would be very painful for him, and could also cause infection and other serious problems. Biting and mouthing during play is very normal behavior for puppies, and will resolve on its own with age. In the meantime, make sure that Pocholo has a variety of different toys 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 for chasing and fetching. It can also be helpful to provide lots of different items to chew on - things like bully sticks, cow or pig ears, rawhide chews, and puzzle toys such as a Kong stuffed with peanut butter. If you are playing with him and he bites you, just redirect him to one of his toys and use that to play with him instead. If he bites your hands when you pet him, calmly stop petting and ignore him until he calms down. You may only be able to pet him when he is sleepy right now, which is fine - just be patient and consistent with him as he grows, and the mouthing will stop on its own.

Vote icon

15Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on November 8th, 2016

    Yes, it will definitely change as he gets older :) Biting and mouthing during play is very normal behavior for puppies - this is how they explore the world, and how they instinctively want to play. This behavior normally resolves on its own with age as long as you aren't doing anything to encourage it. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help. Make sure to provide a variety of different toys to provide an appropriate outlet for the biting and mouthing - long floppy rope or fleece toys for tugging, big plush toys for biting and carrying, and smaller toys or balls for chasing and fetching. Providing items to chew on like bully sticks, cow or pig ears, rawhide chews, or puzzle toys like a Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter can also be helpful.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers
image
Have A Vet Question?

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

Sponsored