Help! The puppy is biting the kids!

There’s nothing as exciting as getting a new puppy. But that excitement can quickly turn into stress when reality hits: puppies are basically toddlers with sharp teeth and no hands running around your house.

Almost every new puppy owner asks the same question - “Why is my puppy biting so much? And how do I get them to stop chewing on the kids?!”

All puppies use their mouths to explore, play, and learn. Puppy mouthing and biting is a completely natural behaviour. It doesn’t mean your pup is aggressive, so take a breath and rest assured.

But just because it’s normal doesn’t mean you should ignore it. In the human world, teeth on skin is not okay. Sharp puppy teeth hurt, and if biting is left unchecked, it can turn into a habit that’s harder to break later.

If you’ve got children, you’ve probably noticed the puppy seems extra “bitey” with them. That’s because:

• Kids move fast, squeal, and wave their arms around - which excites puppies and triggers play-chasing instincts.

• Children are usually closer to the puppy’s level, making them easier targets.

• Kids may not know how to respond calmly, which can accidentally reinforce the biting.
  
  

The result? Frustrated kids, stressed parents, and an overexcited puppy.

Here are some starting strategies you can put in place right away:

• Redirect to a toy. Have soft toys, ropes, or chews ready. When puppy latches onto skin or clothing, calmly replace yourself (or the kids) with an appropriate toy.

• Stop the game when teeth touch skin. Teach your puppy that biting = the fun ends. Kids can stand up, cross their arms, or step away. Keep it short and calm, then resume play when the puppy settles.

• Teach kids to be calm players. Show children how to move slowly, avoid squealing, and keep toys low to the ground so the puppy targets the toy instead of hands.

• Schedule puppy nap times. Overtired puppies get mouthier. Just like toddlers, sometimes the solution is more sleep.

• Supervise and separate when needed. If things get too wild, use a playpen, baby gate, or crate to give everyone a break.

• Don’t yell or hit your puppy - this can damage trust and make the problem worse.

• Don’t let biting become part of the game, even if it feels harmless now. Inconsistency confuses puppies.

• Don’t expect kids to manage it all themselves - adult supervision is key.

Puppy biting can feel endless, but it’s just a stage. With consistency, redirection, and patience, your puppy will learn that gentle play gets rewards, and rough play ends the fun.

Try to focus on the joyful moments of puppyhood and remember - those sharp little teeth will be gone before you know it.

Puppy biting is just one of the many challenges new owners face. My Puppy Priorities course walks you through all the essentials - from toilet training to socialisation, crate training, independence, and more.

👉 Start today and make raising your puppy simpler, calmer, and more enjoyable for the whole family.