Brains Trainings for Dogs

When Do Puppies Stop Biting?

Most puppies bite hardest between about 8 and 16 weeks, ease off noticeably by 4 to 5 months, and stop by 6 to 7 months once adult teeth are in and self-control matures.

When Do Puppies Stop Biting?

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Quick answer

Biting peaks during teething, roughly 12 to 20 weeks, then declines. By four to five months most puppies bite much less, and by six to seven months it usually stops apart from occasional over-excited moments. Consistent redirection and enough sleep and chewing can move that timeline earlier; inconsistent responses push it later.

Age-by-age timeline

8 to 12 weeks

Frequent, uninhibited mouthing. The puppy has just left its litter and is still learning that human skin is fragile. Expect a lot of it, especially when tired or excited. Focus on redirection to toys and protecting sleep.

12 to 20 weeks

Teething. Adult teeth push through and gums are sore, so chewing and mouthing increase. Bites can feel sharper because of needle-like puppy teeth being replaced. Offer cool or frozen chews and keep the redirection plan steady.

4 to 5 months

Most families see a clear turning point. Biting becomes less frequent and less hard as the bite-inhibition lessons take hold and the puppy sleeps a little less chaotically.

6 to 7 months

Biting usually stops as a daily problem. Adult teeth are settled and impulse control has improved. You may still see mouthing in moments of high excitement, which fades with maturity and continued training.

Adolescence, 7 to 14 months

Occasional regressions during adolescent boundary-testing are normal. Calmly return to the same plan and they pass.

What makes the phase shorter

  • Consistent responses from everyone in the home.
  • A reliable nap schedule; overtired puppies bite more and learn less.
  • Plenty of legal chewing outlets.
  • Calm play rather than rough wrestling.
  • Daily rewards for a soft mouth and four feet on the floor.

What makes it drag on

  • Some family members wrestle with hands while others do not.
  • Shouting, smacking or muzzle-holding, which can add fear or excitement.
  • Chronic under-sleeping or under-stimulation.
  • Waving hands and feet to rile the puppy up.

When it is not just teething

If an older puppy or adult dog still bites hard, or biting comes with stiffness, growling that escalates or resource guarding, do not wait it out. Ask a vet and a qualified reward-based behaviourist to assess. See our guide on play versus aggression.

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FAQ

Related guides

References

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  2. Kutsumi A, Nagasawa M, Ohta M, Ohtani N (2013). Importance of puppy training for future behavior of the dog. Journal of Veterinary Medical Science 75(2), 141–149. View source
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  10. Vieira de Castro AC, Fuchs D, Morello GM, Pastur S, de Sousa L, Olsson IAS (2020). Does training method matter? Evidence for the negative impact of aversive-based methods on companion dog welfare. PLOS ONE 15(12), e0225023.
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These references describe dogs and training in general. They are not evidence about any specific commercial program. This page is general information, not a substitute for individualised veterinary or behaviour advice. Last reviewed: 30 August 2026.