Help! My puppy is a furry shark!

Your puppy can often feel like a furry, adorable shark.

Why does this happen?  It may not be what you think.  Here’s what I have found to be the primary reasons:

 Exploration and Learning:

Puppies explore the world primarily through their mouths. Like human infants who put objects in their mouths to learn about them, puppies use their mouths to investigate their surroundings. It's a fundamental part of their learning process.  To allow your puppies to safely explore their surroundings:

·        Use a play pen or baby gates to safely create a puppy area filled with his favorite toys/teething rings.  Try switching out toys to keep the toys “new.”

·        Make sure that anything potentially harmful is removed from the puppy’s area – like electrical cords, or small items that could be a choking hazard.

 Teething Discomfort:

During the teething phase, puppies experience discomfort as their new teeth come in. Biting and chewing provide relief by massaging their gums. It's essential for puppy parents to provide appropriate chew toys to satisfy this natural urge and alleviate teething discomfort.  Try the following:

·        Rubber teething toys you can put in the freezer

·        Edible puppy teething rings

·        Flavored puppy chew toys

 Social Interaction and Play:

Puppies learn valuable social skills through play, and biting is a common component of their interactions. In this context, biting is a way for puppies to signal excitement or request attention from their families (both human and furry).

 When playing with your pup:

·        Have toys/puppy bones accessible in any areas where you play.

·        Watch the puppy for signs that he’s getting over-aroused or needs time to rest.

·        Always monitor your children around a puppy.  Teach them the appropriate ways to interact with a puppy.

 Over-Tired/Over Aroused

Puppies can bite when they get too excited, overwhelmed or tired. This is often seen during playtime when their energy levels tend to skyrocket or it has been too long since they rested.  Ensure your pup gets plenty of time to nap/rest during the day by providing the following:

·        Regularly scheduled nap/rest times during the day.

·        A quiet area of his own like a crate or playpen.

 Energy Release:

Puppies have abundant energy, and play, including mouthing, is a way for them to release this energy. To help your puppy channel his energy in positive ways and reduce the likelihood of biting:

·        Regular exercise – like a romp in the backyard

·        Play sessions – like a game of fetch

·        Mental stimulation – like training, puzzles or nose games

 I recommend a combination of positive reinforcement and redirection to address unwanted biting behavior. It's important for puppy parents to provide suitable chew toys, be consistent in training, and engage in regular play and exercise to ensure a well-rounded and mentally stimulated puppy.

 Patience and understanding are key, as addressing mouthing behaviors is part of the ongoing process of training and socialization in a puppy's development.