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My 3-month-old puppy bites a lot. How can I stop the nipping?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Male | unneutered | 2 months and 25 days old | 8 lbs

Hi I have a 3 month old Russell terrier puppy, he is very aggressive I’m not sure if he may not like me or not but he bites ALOT and I was wondering how I can train him not to although i try to tell him no and push him down he jumps back and tries to bite again could you please help?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on June 30th, 2018

I'm not entirely sure if you're referring to actual aggression (intent to bite), or just nipping behavior, which is very normal and common in puppies. If Cooper is doing the usual puppy nipping (very excited, wiggly body, chewing on everything, jumping up, etc), then there are a few things you can do. One is to just get up and walk away when he becomes too excited, and ignore him (you may need to leave the room). Once he is calm, you can start play again to help teach him that nipping behavior doesn't get attention. Yelping out Ouch! In a high pitched voice can also help, as it mimics playing too rough with a litter mate. Replacing the chewing/nipping with an appropriate toy so his mouth is occupied can also help. Be sure to praise and give him attention when he is focused on his toys, rather than your hand! Puppies do start to get adult teeth around 6-7 months of age, so you may see a surge in nipping and chewing then as well! If Cooper is showing actual aggression (growling, stiff body, whale eyes, pinned back ears, snarling, showing teeth, biting to try and break the skin) then this is a serious and complex situation that should be checked out by a veterinary behaviorist in person. You can look for one in your area by following this link: http://www.dacvb.org/about/member-directory/

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on June 28th, 2018

    If he has a leash on, step on his leash to prevent jumping up. You can also turn your back to him or bring a knee up so he can't jump up on you. Being a puppy, he's going to get excited when he sees his favorite person. Ignore him completely for 15 minutes upon your return or until he calms down. Praise him when he complies and correct inappropriate behavior immediately.

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on April 2nd, 2018

    This isn't aggression moreso that it is typical puppy behavior. Consistency, and being 100% in your training can help. If he's getting excited to the point of jumping and tackling you, it is best to move him to a different room to settle down, or to completely get up and walk away. Placing baby gates around your home can help control his movement and allow you to walk away and ignore him without him following and jumping on you. Once he's calm again, playtime can resume. Any time you catch him chewing on his toy, or he picks his toy over you, be sure to praise him so he learns this is behavior you like. If he gets nipping, yelping "OUCH!" in a loud, high pitched voice may also help as it can mimic a littermate playing too rough. If he becomes too excited, stop the play session, let him calm down, and then resume. A puppy kindergarten class together is also a great way to learn to work together, and help instill some basic behaviors and concentration skills. This can help get out some of that excited puppy energy in a constructive way, and help the two of you understand each other better.

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