Puppies experience the world through their mouths. From exploring their environment to soothing aching gums, chewing and mouthing are completely normal parts of development. Still, when those little teeth land on fingers, clothing, or furniture, it’s easy to wonder: Is this normal? And how do I handle it?
This guide breaks down what’s expected, what might need attention, and simple ways to redirect your puppy, all while supporting healthy teething and confident learning.
Why Puppies Chew and Mouth
Chewing isn’t misbehavior. It’s communication, exploration, and even comfort. Here’s why puppies rely on their mouths so much, especially in the early months:
Teething Discomfort
From about 12 weeks onward, puppies begin losing baby teeth and growing adult teeth. This stage can cause gum soreness, increased chewing, and a strong desire to bite or mouth anything within reach.
Exploration and Play
Puppies learn by testing surfaces, textures, and interactions, much like toddlers. Mouthing allows them to investigate what’s safe and fun.
Overstimulation or Tiredness
A puppy who’s “biting everything” may simply need a nap. When they’re overtired, mouthing becomes more frantic.
Attention-Seeking
If biting gets a reaction, some puppies learn to repeat the behavior to engage with you.
All of these behaviors fall within normal development, until they become persistent, intense, or difficult to redirect.
What’s Normal and What’s Not
Normal Puppy Behavior:
- Gentle mouthing during play
- Increased chewing during teething
- Grabbing clothing as excitement builds
- Brief nips followed by easy redirection
- Chewing objects with different textures
These behaviors typically lessen with training, structure, and appropriate toys.
May Need Attention:
- Biting that breaks skin
- Escalating aggression during play
- Guarding toys or chews
- Inability to settle, even after redirection
- Panic chewing in the crate
These moments don’t mean your puppy is “bad” just that they may need guidance, structure, or a calmer routine. Early training and redirection work wonders.
How to Reduce Biting and Mouthing
1. Redirect, Don’t Punish
Punishment can increase anxiety and make biting worse. Instead, give your puppy something appropriate to chew the moment mouthing starts.
Helpful Tool: Tender-Tuffs toys are soft, durable, and designed with textures puppies love perfect for redirecting those busy teething mouths.
2. Rotate Enrichment Options
Bored puppies chew more. Keep their minds busy with:
- Soft tug toys
- Crinkle or squeak toys
- Chewable textures
- Sniffing games or simple enrichment puzzles
3. Support Teething Comfort
During teething peaks, offer cold or soothing options:
- A chilled washcloth for supervised chewing
- Soft rubber chews
- Puppy-safe teething toys
A comfortable puppy is a calmer puppy.
When to Ask for Help
If biting becomes aggressive, persistent, or difficult to manage even with redirection and structure, it may be time to seek additional support. Early intervention prevents small problems from becoming lifelong habits. Virtual behavior consultations or working directly with a certified trainer can make a meaningful difference.
You’re Not Alone: This Stage Doesn’t Last Forever
Chewing, biting, and mouthing are all essential parts of puppyhood. With patience, redirection, and the right enrichment tools - like Tender-Tuffs - you can help your puppy develop healthy chewing habits and gentle play skills.
Before long, the teething phase ends, the adult teeth settle in, and your once-mouthy puppy becomes a calm, well-mannered companion.
