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My puppy keeps biting and mouthing. Is this normal behavior?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Bichon Frise | Female | 3 months and 8 days old | 390 lbs

Is it normal for a puppy to bite you?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on May 30th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! It is very normal for puppies to be mouthy: want to chew on your fingers, play with your fingers like they are toys, jump up and try to grab your fingers, nip, etc. It isn't normal to do it aggressively. They tend to grow out of this behavior by 6 months. https://www.petcoach.co/article/puppy-biting-nipping-of-hands/ Have a great day!

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    Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 25th, 2017

    Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Playbiting, although cute when they are little, can lead to biting and 'mouthing' behaviour as an adult which is not OK. It is important to train this behaviour out of your puppy at a young age. It is best to make a sound like you are hurt when the puppy bites your hand or even gently puts their mouth on your hands, and then replace your hand with something that it is OK for Mayor to chew. This teaches Mayor that it hurts when he puts his mouth on any human, and that it is OK to chew, but only on approved items. It is important to be very consistent with this, and for all members of the family to do the same. Best of luck with Mayor.

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