How to Stop Puppy Biting: NZ Step-by-Step Guide

The quick answer: puppy biting is completely normal — puppies explore the world with their mouths and are teething until around 6 months. The goal isn't to punish it but to teach bite inhibition (soft mouth) and redirect those needle teeth onto the right things. With calm, consistent practice over a few weeks, almost every puppy grows out of it.

Why puppies bite

• Teething — sore gums (peaks roughly 3–6 months) drive chewing.
• Play and exploration — mouthing is how puppies interact with littermates and the world.
• Overtiredness — an overtired puppy gets "bitey" much like an overtired toddler gets cranky.
• Attention — if biting gets a big reaction, it can become a game.

The step-by-step plan

1. Yelp and pause. When teeth touch skin, give a short high "ouch", then stop play and stand up. This mimics how littermates teach "too hard".
2. Redirect onto a toy. Always have a chew toy within reach; swap your hand for it the instant the puppy mouths you. Reward chewing the toy.
3. Reward calm. When the puppy chooses to lick or settle instead of bite, praise and treat — you're rewarding the behaviour you want.
4. Time-outs for over-arousal. If biting escalates, calmly step behind a gate or leave the room for 30–60 seconds. No drama. Return and try again.
5. Meet the needs first. A well-exercised, mentally-stimulated, well-rested puppy bites far less. Build in nap time — overtired puppies are the bitiest.

What NOT to do

• Don't smack the muzzle, hold the mouth shut, or shout. It teaches fear, not soft mouth, and can make a dog hand-shy. NZ welfare guidance (SPCA) and modern trainers all favour positive, force-free methods.
• Don't play rough hand-wrestling games that reward biting hands.

Teething help

Cold can soothe sore gums — a damp, frozen flannel or a chilled rubber chew toy works well through a Kiwi summer or any time gums are sore. Make sure chews are puppy-safe and the right size.

When to get help

If a puppy over ~6 months is still biting hard, the biting seems fearful or aggressive (stiff body, growling, guarding), or you're not seeing progress, book a force-free puppy class or a qualified NZ dog trainer/behaviourist early. Settling routines matter too — see our guide on settling a rescue dog in NZ for calm-home principles that also apply to puppies.

Shop related categories at PetMall

Looking for puppy-safe chew toys and teething aids in New Zealand? Browse the PetMall dog range for current options and nationwide delivery.

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Related reading

• Settling a Rescue Dog in NZ
• Puppy vs Adult Dog NZ
• Why Does My Dog Follow Me Everywhere?

References

• American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), "What Are Reward-Based Training Methods for Dogs (and Cats)?", checked 2026-07-08: https://avsab.org/what-are-reward-based-training-methods-for-dogs-and-cats/
• VCA Animal Hospitals, "Play Biting in Puppies", checked 2026-07-08: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/play-biting-in-puppies

Important notice

*General training information for NZ owners. Biting that is fearful or aggressive should be assessed by a qualified NZ trainer/behaviourist or vet.*