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My 6-month-old puppy mouths my arm. How do I stop this behavior?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 5 months and 22 days old

My pup is about 6 months old. He has a bad problem with putting his whole mouth around my arm. I know it's not aggression it's just like sometimes it hurts and I don't know what to do to stop it. Sometimes I can't pet him without him trying to bite me. It's very annoying. What do I do

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 12th, 2016

Great question! You right to try to stop this behavior now. Dallas needs to learn that this is unacceptable. When he puts his whole mouth around you, say "no," remove your arm from his mouth, and turn your back on him. Ignore him until he is behaving appropriately, and then reward him with your attention and praise. You may have to get up and walk away. Whenever he is accepting love and petting appropriately, praise him verbally, but the minute he puts his mouth on your arm, you stop and ignore him. You are teaching him that he will get all the attention he wants when he behaves in an appropriate manner, and will be ignored when he doesn't. He will learn which behaviors gets him attention and praise, and biting you will lead to ignoring.

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    Answered By Shaneez Wallani, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 1st, 2017

    It sounds like Dallas needs some guidance on what is and is not considered appropriate behaviour for a puppy. Puppies use their mouths to play and to explore the world around them, but need to learn that it is not ok to bite humans. It is important to help him develop bite inhibition and redirect him to an appropriate activity, as well as to teach him that biting humans means they won’t play with him until he calms down. Visit the following link for more information on how to work on these goals at home https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/mouthing-nipping-and-biting-puppies. I also strongly recommend working with a reputable trainer to help set boundaries for Dallas. Visit https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/behavioral-help-your-pet for information on how to find behaviour help near you. Regular exercise and enrolling Dallas in a puppy class to help him burn off some excess energy and learn how to play appropriately are also important steps you can take to help him succeed.

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