How Do I Train My Puppy to Stop Biting and Chewing Everything?

Puppies are adorable, but if you’ve ever had one sink their needle-sharp teeth into your hand or favorite shoes, you know the honeymoon phase can wear thin quickly. Chewing and biting are natural puppy behaviors — but that doesn’t mean you have to live with destroyed furniture or painful nips.

Understanding how to train a puppy to stop biting and chewing comes down to knowing why they do it, how to redirect the behavior, and how to use positive reinforcement to encourage better habits.

This guide will help you navigate puppy teething, prevent destructive chewing, and build a foundation of trust and respect that will last a lifetime.

Why Puppies Bite and Chew

Before you can stop unwanted behavior, you have to understand it. Chewing isn’t a sign of defiance — it’s a combination of natural instincts, physical needs, and curiosity.

Teething Discomfort

Between 3 and 6 months of age, puppies lose their baby teeth and grow their adult teeth. This process can be uncomfortable, causing sore gums and an urge to chew to relieve the pressure.

Exploring the World

Puppies use their mouths the way human babies use their hands — to investigate textures, tastes, and objects.

Play and Social Learning

In a litter, puppies learn bite control (or “bite inhibition”) by playing with their siblings. If one bites too hard, the other yelps and stops playing. Without this feedback, puppies may not know how hard they’re biting.

Boredom and Excess Energy

A tired puppy is a good puppy. Without enough mental and physical stimulation, they may resort to chewing out of boredom.

The Importance of Addressing Biting Early

Bad habits are easier to prevent than to fix. If biting and chewing go unchecked, they can:

  • Damage your relationship with your dog
  • Lead to destructive behavior in adulthood
  • Cause accidental injuries

Early, consistent training helps your puppy learn what’s acceptable and what’s not.

How to Train a Puppy to Stop Biting and Chewing

When tackling how to train a puppy to stop biting and chewing, focus on management, redirection, and positive reinforcement rather than punishment.

Step 1 – Provide Appropriate Chew Toys

Give your puppy safe, durable toys to satisfy their chewing urge. Look for:

  • Rubber toys (like KONGs) you can stuff with treats
  • Rope toys for gentle tug-of-war
  • Frozen teething toys to soothe gums

Pro tip: Rotate toys every few days to keep them exciting.

Step 2 – Redirect, Don’t Scold

When your puppy starts chewing something inappropriate:

  • Calmly remove the object.
  • Offer an approved chew toy instead.
  • Praise them when they take the toy.

This teaches them what to do instead of just what not to do.

Step 3 – Teach Bite Inhibition

To help your puppy learn gentle mouth control:

  • When they bite too hard during play, say “Ouch!” in a high-pitched tone.
  • Stop playing for 10–20 seconds.
  • Resume play once they’ve calmed down.

This mimics the way littermates teach bite pressure.

Step 4 – Use Positive Reinforcement

Reward calm, gentle behavior with:

  • Treats
  • Praise
  • Petting or playtime

Consistency is key — your puppy will repeat behaviors that earn rewards.

Step 5 – Manage the Environment

Puppy-proof your home to limit temptation:

  • Keep shoes, cords, and valuables out of reach.
  • Use baby gates to block off certain rooms.
  • Store trash cans where your puppy can’t access them.

Special Teething Solutions

Puppies in the teething phase need extra relief for sore gums. These solutions can help:

Frozen Washcloths

Dampen a clean washcloth, twist it into a rope, and freeze it. The cold will numb gums, and the texture will satisfy chewing urges.

Chilled Carrots

Large, peeled carrots can be a healthy teething aid — just supervise closely to avoid choking hazards.

Stuffed, Frozen Toys

Fill a rubber chew toy with wet puppy food or mashed banana, then freeze. This keeps them busy and soothes gums at the same time.

What Not to Do

When learning how to train a puppy to stop biting and chewing, avoid harsh corrections — they can damage trust and make behavior worse.

Don’t Hit or Yell

Physical punishment or shouting can make a puppy fearful, leading to anxiety or aggression.

Don’t Use Bitter Sprays as a First Step

While deterrent sprays can work, they should be a last resort after redirection and training.

Don’t Play Rough Games That Encourage Biting

Avoid games like hand wrestling that teach your puppy it’s okay to mouth hands aggressively.

The Role of Exercise and Enrichment

A well-exercised puppy is less likely to chew destructively.

Physical Exercise

Depending on their age and breed, aim for multiple short play sessions daily. Fetch, tug, and short walks can all help.

Mental Stimulation

Puzzle feeders, scent games, and training drills tire out your puppy mentally — reducing boredom biting.

Socialization and Play with Other Dogs

Puppies learn a lot from other dogs, including appropriate mouth behavior.

Puppy Classes

These structured environments allow your pup to practice bite inhibition with peers under supervision.

Supervised Playdates

Safe play with vaccinated, friendly dogs can teach social skills and burn energy.

Troubleshooting Persistent Biting and Chewing

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the behavior continues.

Check for Underlying Discomfort

Persistent chewing can be a sign of dental issues or even gastrointestinal discomfort — check with your vet.

Review Your Consistency

If family members respond differently to the behavior, your puppy may be confused. Make sure everyone uses the same cues and rules.

Consider Professional Help

A certified dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist can provide tailored strategies if your puppy’s behavior is extreme or doesn’t improve.

Sample Daily Training Plan for Bite and Chew Control

Here’s an example structure that blends teething relief, training, and play:

  • Morning: Short walk or play session, followed by 5 minutes of training and a frozen chew toy.
  • Midday: Interactive toy or puzzle feeder, potty break, supervised free play.
  • Afternoon: Tug or fetch, training drill, rest period.
  • Evening: Social play with other dogs or family, gentle handling, bedtime chew.

Key Takeaways

  • Biting and chewing are normal puppy behaviors, especially during teething.
  • Provide safe chew options, redirect unwanted chewing, and use positive reinforcement.
  • Avoid punishment — focus on teaching what you do want.
  • Exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization help prevent boredom-driven chewing.
  • Consistency and patience are essential for success.

Final Thoughts

Training your puppy to stop biting and chewing everything takes patience, empathy, and a commitment to positive reinforcement. By understanding why your puppy is acting this way and offering healthy alternatives, you can guide them through the teething stage without damaging your bond.

This isn’t just about saving your shoes — it’s about building the trust and communication that will define your relationship for years to come.