How to Deal with Dog Nipping and Biting: A Kind and Consistent Approach

If you’ve found yourself with teeth marks on your fingers (or the hem of your favourite trousers), you’re not alone. Nipping and mouthing are some of the most common challenges for dog owners — especially in those early, excitable months. But while it might start off as playful puppy behaviour, it’s not something to ignore.

Left unaddressed, nipping can become a bigger problem down the line. The good news? With patience, consistency, and a calm approach, you can teach your dog more appropriate ways to interact.

Why Do Dogs Nip and Bite?

Before you start training, it’s worth taking a moment to understand why your dog might be nipping in the first place. It's not always mischief — it’s often instinctual.

• Puppy Play: Puppies use their mouths to explore the world. Nipping is a natural part of how they learn boundaries with their littermates — they just haven’t learnt where the line is with humans yet.
• Teething: Just like babies, puppies experience discomfort when their teeth come through. Chewing and biting helps soothe sore gums.
• Herding Breeds: Dogs like Collies, Corgis or Australian Shepherds might nip at heels instinctively — it’s in their DNA.
• Overexcitement: Some dogs get mouthy when they’re over-stimulated or during rough play.
• Attention Seeking: If nipping gets a reaction (even a negative one), your dog might keep doing it to get your attention.
• Fear or Frustration: In some cases, especially with older dogs, biting may stem from anxiety or a lack of proper boundaries.

Understanding the why helps you tailor the how when it comes to addressing it.

What You Can Do To Stop It 

You don’t need to shout or use punishment to stop nipping — in fact, that usually makes it worse. Instead, use calm, consistent strategies that teach your dog what to do, not just what not to do.

1. Redirect the Behaviour

If your dog goes to nip, immediately offer them something appropriate to bite — a chew toy, a frozen Kong, a soft rope.

• Always keep a toy within reach during play

• Offer toys with different textures and resistance

• Swap your hands or clothes for a toy before things escalate

2. Use Clear, Consistent Commands

Teach cues like “leave it”, “gentle” or “enough” in a calm voice. Be consistent — everyone in the household should use the same cues so your dog isn’t confused.

• Use a short time-out if your dog nips repeatedly — stop play, turn away, and ignore for a moment

• Reward calm interactions with treats, toys or praise

3. Reinforce Good Behaviour

The goal is to make not biting more rewarding than biting.

• Praise and treat when your dog chooses a toy over your hand

• Reward calm behaviour around children or visitors

• Don’t wait for a mistake to train — reinforce good habits regularly

4. Keep Them Mentally and Physically Stimulated

A tired dog is a better-behaved dog. Many nipping behaviours stem from boredom or excess energy.

• Incorporate two walks a day, with time to sniff and explore

• Use puzzle feeders or training games at home

• Give your dog tasks to focus on, especially during high-energy parts of the day (like post-meal zoomies)

When To Get Professional Help 

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the nipping doesn’t go away — or starts to escalate. If your dog’s biting is hard, unpredictable, or seems linked to fear, pain or guarding behaviour, speak to a professional.

You can get help from:

• A qualified behaviourist (look for APBC or IAABC certification)
• A force-free dog trainer
• Your vet, who may refer you if there’s a medical concern at play

Before your consultation, it helps to:

• Keep a log of incidents (what triggered them, when they happened, how your dog reacted)
• Take videos of the behaviour if safe to do so
• Make notes about your dog’s general routine, diet, exercise and stress levels
• Getting help is not a failure — it’s a smart, responsible step to keep everyone safe and happy.

The Final Woof 

Every dog nips at some point, especially when they’re young. But with the right training, loads of redirection, and a calm, consistent approach, they can learn what’s OK and what’s not.

Remember: nipping isn’t about being ‘naughty’ — it’s about communication, comfort, and sometimes a bit of confusion. Set your dog up for success, celebrate the wins (no matter how small), and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.