While some mouthing is normal, certain signs indicate it’s time to take action:
1. Excessive Pressure
Normal mouthing should not cause pain. If your puppy’s bites are hard enough to leave marks or break the skin, they may not have learned bite inhibition. Puppies need guidance to understand how much pressure is acceptable.
2. Frequent or Escalating Behavior
If mouthing happens constantly or becomes more aggressive over time, it could signal frustration, overstimulation, or unmet needs for mental and physical activity.
3. Mouthing Paired with Aggression
If your puppy growls, snaps or shows other signs of aggression while mouthing, this is a red flag. It’s important to address this behaviour early to prevent future problems.
4. Targeting Non-Toys
Puppies mouthing furniture, electrical cords, or other non-toy items could lead to dangerous situations, including choking or ingestion of harmful materials.
5. Lack of Control Around Excitement
Some puppies become overly mouthy when excited, such as during play or when greeting people. If this leads to uncontrollable or rough behaviour, it’s time to intervene.
How to Address Problematic Puppy Mouthing
1. Teach Bite Inhibition
Bite inhibition is a puppy’s ability to control the pressure of their bite. If your puppy bites too hard during play:
- Let out a high-pitched “ouch!” to mimic how their littermates would react.
- Stop interaction immediately to show that biting ends playtime.
2. Redirect to Appropriate Toys
Provide plenty of chew toys to satisfy their mouthing needs. Rotate toys regularly to keep them interesting.
3. Encourage Calm Interactions
Avoid roughhousing, as it can encourage overly mouthy behaviour. Teach your puppy to sit or engage in other calm behaviours before play or petting.
4. Avoid Punishment
Physical or harsh punishments can increase fear or aggression, making the problem worse. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement. Reward your puppy for gentle play and using their toys.
5. Meet Their Exercise and Mental Stimulation Needs
A bored or under-exercised puppy is more likely to exhibit problematic behaviours. Ensure your puppy gets enough physical activity and mental enrichment daily.
6. Socialise Early
Expose your puppy to different people, environments, and situations to help them learn appropriate behaviour and reduce fear-based mouthing.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your puppy’s mouthing behaviour doesn’t improve despite consistent training, or if it’s accompanied by signs of aggression, it’s time to consult a professional. A Behaviour Veterinarian or certified dog trainer can help identify the underlying cause and develop a tailored plan to address the behaviour.
The Role of Kalmpets
At Kalmpets, we understand that every puppy is unique. Our experienced team of Behaviour Veterinarians can help you navigate mouthing issues, whether it’s part of teething, play, or a more serious behavioural concern.
Through one-on-one consultations, tailored training plans, and expert advice, we’ll work with you to ensure your puppy grows into a confident, well-mannered adult dog.
Final Thoughts
Puppy mouthing is a normal part of their development, but it’s essential to address excessive or problematic behaviours early. By teaching bite inhibition, redirecting to appropriate activities, and seeking professional support when needed, you can set your puppy up for success.
If you’re feeling unsure or overwhelmed, Kalmpets is here to help. Together, we can make the journey from a playful puppy to a well-behaved adult an enjoyable one!
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you and your furry friend.