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My puppy is teething. How do I stop him from biting me and my family?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 2 months and 2 days old | 10 lbs

How can I get my puppy to stop nibbling at us?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on January 29th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You are likely describing teething which is basically a normal type of behavior when puppies are growing up and it is secondary to mouth discomfort as teeth are growing. I recommend that you get Memphis teething type toys which you can get at your local pet store or online. Anytime that he tries to nibble at you, you say no and give him the toy. This is likely going to resolve the issue. Good luck and have a great day!

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Jeffrey Milner

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 9th, 2017

    Wish is just being a normal pup! Fortunately, the majority of puppies do grow out of this behavior in time. It sounds like you are already doing the right thing. Make sure you always have a toy in your pocket or in your hand. Any time Wish starts to chew on something in appropriate, place the toy directly in front of him. If he takes the toy, he should be rewarded profusely with praise and treats if he is food motivated. If he does not take the toy and continues to do something inappropriate, remove the item or remove him. Removing the item is better if possible, as picking him up and moving him might be misinterpreted as attention. You may even want to consider keeping Wish on a leash until this sort of behavior has completely resolved. In terms of other objects for him to chew, you may want to look into acquiring some bully sticks. I find that these can last a long time and dogs absolutely love to chew them. Try bestbullysticks.com for a huge selection and pretty reasonable prices. Hope this helps. Just stay the course for the time being, do not reward inappropriate behavior, and hopefully once all Wish's adult teeth are in this type of this will become an afterthought.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Jeffrey Milner

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 9th, 2017

    What a cute little pup! Your pup is teething right now and will continue to do this for at least the next few months as the adult teeth are growing in. Every time you start to see him beginning to bite something inappropriate (either you or an object), you need to give him something you prefer him to bite. Ignoring the bad behavior is good, but not good enough in this particular instance. As soon as he takes the chew toy or bone instead of biting you, he should be rewarded with praise and treats. It is important to make sure Toffee knows what he can and cannot bite at a young age in order to avoid owning a large adult dog that thinks biting is acceptable. Hope this helps.

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on October 2nd, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You are likely describing teething which is basically a normal type of behavior when puppies are growing up and it is secondary to mouth discomfort as teeth are growing. I recommend that you get Charlie teething type toys which you can get at your local pet store or online. Anytime that he tries to nibble at you, you say no and give him the toy. This is likely going to resolve the issue. Good luck and have a great day!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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