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How to stop my teething puppy from biting me and redirect to toys?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Bichon Frise | Male | unneutered | 2 months and 26 days old

My dog is teething, but randomly he goes on rampages were he just decides to bite my feet or hands viscously. I try to give him a toy, but he never takes it and continues to bite. Is there something I could do to direct him toward the toy and not me?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on January 3rd, 2017

You could try to reinforce positively when he goes to the toy with a treat or use one of those kong toys with treats inside. When he bites your feet or hands just stop playing with him and go away (that would be a negative input for him).

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    Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 10th, 2017

    The majority of puppies go through a mouthy stage where they will bite in your hands. The key is to not encourage the behaviour at all. Often people let them do it at the start then as puppy grows the bite gets harder. When the pup starts to bite say no clearly and sharply and put it down. Ignore it a few seconds then resume play repeat this process until it associates biting you with no play time.

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