Welcoming a new puppy home sounds fun, but the new experiences can be shocking at the same time. Some difficulties, created by an adorable creature, can be tackled easily. One such problem which is commonly faced by new pet owners is the puppy chewing their foot, legs, or even clothes.
At first, this behavior comes off as innocent and playful, but after some time it does become a challenge. Their tiny teeth, nippy as they are, can be problematic if set loose on unfortunate legs. Puppy chewing can be hazardous for the owner. Moreover, if they are allowed to continue this habit, it can turn out to be a bad one. So the essential question that needs to be explored is why do puppies chew on legs and what methodologies can be employed to rectify this behavior?
Why Do Puppies Bite and Chew on Legs?
Puppies tend to bite a leg for a reason, but it helps to take a deeper look of what they're trying to achieve? Puppies are not aggressive creatures. Every action made has an intent behind it, and biting is no different.
1️⃣ Relief of Teething Pain
Similar to humans, puppies undergo teething from 3 to up to 6 months. They get gum inflammation where chewing helps eliminate discomfort. Unfortunately, your leg might be the closest option available!
2️⃣ Attention Seeking And Playing
Puppies are gregarious creatures. When they nip at your leg, they could be communicating, "I want to play!" If you respond to them by laughing or running, it may be perceived as an enjoyable game.
3️⃣ Investigating Their Surroundings
Puppies can interact with the world via their mouth. Their teeth can be used to investigate almost everything including the furniture, shoes, and legs.
4️⃣ Rough Play Habit
Any puppies that are accustomed to playing violently with other puppies may continue to do so with people, especially adults. They had previously been trained that interacting with other puppies meant them biting. Therefore, if not properly taught, they are going to believe biting is permitted.
5️⃣ Reinforcement and Reaction
A dog will get used to the same response over time. In the event a puppy nips at your leg and you play fetch, then it will appear to them like you are supporting their behavior. If they receive a yell or a shove it could trigger the idea that this is a fun thing that they can do repeatedly.
Training Your Puppy Not to Bite Your Leg
1️⃣ Stay Calm – Do Not React!
When your puppy bites your leg for the first time, it is normal to feel the need to scream or pull away. But that would create a negative impact!
❌ DON’Ts:
Don’t scream or hit your puppy. This is ineffective because it may frighten the puppy, but does not teach it the right urge.
Don’t chase them or pull your leg away too fast because it may become a fun game for the puppy.
✅ DOs:
Remain motionless and ignore them.
Avoid looking at them and just walk away.
Refrain from engaging with them in any manner, be it speaking, touching or so.
When a puppy realizes that there’s no reaction to their biting puppy will soon learn that there is no need for biting anymore.
2️⃣ Redirect to a Chew Toy
A puppy is likely to bite at something. In that case, it is best to provide them with something for the right purpose for them to chew!
✔ You would want to position the chew toys where they can easily be found.
✔ In case they start biting down your leg, quickly replace your leg with a chew toy.
✔ If they bite the toy instead, make sure to praise them so that they mimic the same action- Goood boy or girl! Chew your toy.
✔ Use different textures such as rubber, rope, and even soft toys to keep them engaged.
In this way, they understand that chew toys make humans happy, but legs are not meant for biting!
3️⃣ Efforts Should Start On The First Day
Because puppies pick things up quickly, it is crucial that rules are established early on.
🐾 You have to be consistent. Allowing them to bite sometimes but other times stopping them will get them confused.
🐾 When your puppy bites aggressively, you need to tell them ‘no’ firmly and disengage completely.
🐾 If these little puppies become overly excited and bite, then simply leave for a minute or two. This will help them learn that playtime is no more when biting is done.
🐾 Everyone in the family needs to participate! Everyone should abide by the same rules so that the puppy does not get confused.
4️⃣ Praise Good Actions
Puppies are known to respond to positive reinforcement. Do not accompany their biting response by simply saying no, be sure to applaud them when they get things to be done correctly.
✔ When they play rough without biting, reward them.
✔ When they use their toy instead of your leg, use happy voice to praise them.
✔ Make the training sessions brief and keep them entertaining.
With time puppies will recognize good behavior and rewards go hand it hand which will make them do that behavior more frequently.
5️⃣ Provide More Opportunities For Physical And Mental Activity
In some cases, puppies will bite, because of them having an overabundance of energy.
🐾 Set aside enough time in your schedule for their exercise, walks, and play.
🐾 Get them engaged in more complex treat puzzles or other brain activities and games.
🐾 Interaction through fetch, tug-of-war, and other games will also help.
A tired puppy is a well-behaved puppy!
6️⃣ Use the “Time-Out” Method
If your puppy persists in biting after multiple warnings:
✔ Step away from the situation calmly or put them in a safe area for a short breather (not a punishment, just a break).
✔ Let them relax for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
✔ Only engage with them once they’ve calmed down.
This teaches them that biting stops the fun.
7️⃣ Control Yourself and Be Consistent!
Training can be a lengthy process. Some puppies take everything in and learn fast while others take time. In the end, your puppy will come to learn what is acceptable with time, care, and consistency.
🚫 Blunders to Dodge:
❌ Bit-by-bit filling; not enforcing biting rules inconsistently.
❌ Using fingers as play items (which teaches the pup to use them to bite).
❌ Harsh screaming, physical violence, or punishment.
❌ Expecting magic changes; repition and consistency are key.
What About the Older Puppies?
If your puppy is older (4+ months) and still biting, try:
✔ Focused puppies structure lessons.
✔ Focused task oriented (obedience training).
✔ Other dogs to play with and to learn better social behavior.
✔ Chew deterrent spray applying focus on clothing items (Consult vet before use).
Older puppies may still be taught some skills, but the learning curve will be a lot more gradual. Everyone must integrate their efforts and stay the path!
To summarize, always remember to train your puppy with compassion and care
Puppy biting is normal at that age, but we need to step in and set some limits. Keep in mind the following listed steps:
– Remain calm and do not lose your composure.
– Redirect behavior to a chewable item.
– Praise good conduct.
– Allow them to play and exercise a lot.
– Try to establish limits early and learn to let go.
With enough effort and training, your puppy will mature into a well-mannered adult dog. Just keep in mind that it is all part of growing up and learning as cute little puppies. 💕🐶