play biting

bdmann

Forums Regular
Shelby is almost 4 months old and she likes to play bite at EVERYTHING! Even our hands when we get them close to her head. I was wondering if this is just a phase that shes going through being a puppy still or if she will keep doing this into her adult years?
 
Hi There, my Lilly is now 5 months and she also is mouth happy, we have been trying to get her to stop being so mouthy but she wants to bite at everything too. I hope to get some insite here, hoping she will outgrow this.
 
It's definitely the age, but you can also take an active role in discouraging it.

What worked for me was saying "ouch" loudly in a high-pitched voice and then all play stopped. Sometimes I even got up and turned my back. My girl went through the phase quickly as she learned that teeth on skin = no more fun.
 
We did the same as corbinam and Shelby learned very quickly not to bite. She does still like to mouth but she does not bite down. She continues to do that only when playing because we allow it. My hubby does play more rough with her than I do, but she knows who she can be rough with and who she can not.
 
She is likely to be teething so may also be biting to relieve the pain in her gums. I'd just add, after saying 'ouch' redirect her mouth onto something else she is allowed to chew like a soft toy or, even better for teething, a moist face washer.
 
biting

My sheltie, Cody is very into biting while playing. We tried everything. He's 11 months. I thought it was just a puppy thing. Now---I don't know what to do.
 
Well, funny you mention it, but Indy at 4.5 years has suddenly started doing this again! Weird!
 
At almost 8 years old, April still play bites on my hand. I haven't been worried about her with anyone else because I'm the only one she plays with that way. The thought of using her teeth defensively or in aggression has never crossed her mind. It's all play, and Dad's her big toy.
 
Every pup is different. If you dont want her biting at your hands, teach her not to. Skyla play bites but you can see she doesnt bite down (like she did when she was 3-4 months old), she just kind of mouths at our hands. I do not let her bite my hands, but my husband and father in law allow it when they play with her. She knows who she can and cannot "play bite" with and when she does forget, I simply remind her "dont bite mommy" and stop play until she calms down. They wont know if its allowed or not until you teach them.
 
Angus has been play biting sometimes, I immediately put a toy in his mouth and encourage him to chew with that as opposed to me. He has been picking up very quickly and it is getting to be less and less!
 
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