Puppy Teething: Surviving the Landshark (With Your Sanity Intact!)
- sarahforrester07
- Oct 21
- 5 min read
Ah, the puppy teething phase! It's a normal and natural part of puppyhood, but let's be brutally honest, it can also be a time when you question your life choices and wonder if you accidentally adopted a tiny landshark. As your puppy's baby teeth make way for their adult chompers, they'll experience discomfort and may turn to nipping and chewing everything in sight to find relief. But don't worry, you're not alone! With a little understanding, patience, the right techniques, and a good sense of humor, you can help your puppy through this phase and discourage unwanted nipping – all while (hopefully) maintaining a positive and loving relationship (and keeping your furniture relatively intact).
As a dog owner myself, and a firm believer in positive-only training, I've navigated the teething trenches with five different pups over the last 25 years! Each of them had their own unique personality and, yes, their own unique "oral fixations!" Actually, our Pepsi wasn't much of a nipper when it came to people, but she did have a penchant for chewing on furniture! We still have the dining table she chewed the corners off of when she was a puppy! It was our fault, really – we didn't crate her that particular evening, and she managed to sneak away and find some "delicious" table legs. To this day, I swear she gives me a knowing look when we eat at that table. She's 12 now, and thankfully, the furniture is safe (though slightly more "rustic" looking)! Our Boodle was probably the most mouthy as she got older. It's definitely a phase, and it's definitely manageable with the right approach... mostly. Some days, I just had to laugh, or I'd cry! I’m a big advocate for getting through it gently!
Here's what I've learned about surviving the teething sharknado, along with my top tips for managing puppy teething and (mostly) discouraging nipping:
Understanding Teething: A Timeline of Terror (Just Kidding!)
Okay, maybe "terror" is a bit strong, but it can feel that way when your puppy is gnawing on your ankles.
Timeline: Puppies typically begin teething around 3-4 months of age. You might find tiny teeth around the house...or stuck in your socks! The process can last until they are about 6-8 months old, when all their adult teeth have erupted.
Symptoms: Keep an eye out for these common signs. If your puppy exhibits all of them at once, don't panic. It's just teething (probably):
Excessive chewing (on everything!) – your shoes, your furniture, your fingers...
Drooling (sometimes a lot!) – invest in some bibs!
Red and inflamed gums – looks painful, doesn't it?
Increased irritability or restlessness – basically, they're cranky!
Providing Relief: Soothing Those Sore Gums (and Saving Your Fingers)
Your puppy's mouth is uncomfortable, so our goal is to provide safe and appropriate ways to relieve that discomfort. Think of it as a teething spa day (for dogs).
Chew Toys Galore: Offer a variety of chew toys with different textures and materials. Choose toys made of durable materials that can withstand heavy chewing. Rotate the toys regularly to keep things interesting. I swear, some days it felt like I was running a chew toy store out of my house!
Frozen Fun: Soak a chew toy in water and freeze it. The cold temperature can help soothe inflamed gums. Make sure the toy is durable enough to withstand freezing without cracking.
Icy Treats: Give your puppy ice cubes to chew on. The cold can provide temporary relief from teething pain. Be sure the ice cubes aren't too big, especially for small puppies, to avoid a choking hazard.
Frozen Yogurt Bites: This was a lifesaver for us! Take plain, unsweetened yogurt tubes, freeze them, and then unwrap them and cut them into small, manageable chunks. Mouse loved these when she was teething! Plus, it's kind of fun to watch them try to eat it.
Gentle Gum Massage: Gently massage your puppy's gums with your finger. This can help relieve discomfort and promote healthy blood flow. Make sure your hands are clean! And be prepared for some serious puppy breath.
Discouraging Nipping: Redirect, Redirect, Redirect! (It's Your Mantra Now)
Nipping is a normal puppy behavior, but it's important to teach them that it's not acceptable. The key is to redirect their attention to appropriate chew toys. Think of yourself as a chew toy air traffic controller.
The Power of Redirection: When your puppy starts to nip, immediately redirect their attention to a chew toy. This will give them an appropriate outlet for their chewing instincts. Keep chew toys readily available in all the areas where your puppy spends time. I'm not kidding – stash them everywhere.
Withdraw Attention (Calmly...ish): If your puppy continues to nip after you've redirected, calmly withdraw your attention. Stop playing, turn away, and ignore them for a few minutes. This shows them that nipping results in the end of playtime. It's hard to do, especially when they're being cute, but it's important!
"No Bite" (Used Gently, But Firmly): Use a firm but gentle verbal cue, such as "No bite," when your puppy nips. Be consistent with your cue and use it every time your puppy nips. Think of it as your superhero catchphrase.
Avoid Punishment – Always (Unless You Want a Scared Puppy): Never, ever punish your puppy for nipping. This can create fear and anxiety, which can lead to more serious behavioral problems. Positive reinforcement is always the better approach.
Teaching Bite Inhibition: Learning a Softer Mouth (Like a Gentle Puppy Cloud)
Bite inhibition is the ability to control the force of a bite. Here's how to teach your puppy to have a softer mouth – so they don't accidentally turn you into a chew toy.
The "Yelp" Method (Dramatic Edition): When your puppy nips, exaggerate your reaction by yelping loudly and pulling away. This will teach them that their bite is too hard. I've used this method with all my dogs. It's important to be genuine in your reaction! Channel your inner actor!
Stop Play Immediately (The Ultimate Buzzkill): If your puppy nips too hard, stop playing immediately. This will teach them that nipping results in the end of playtime. Be consistent with this consequence.
Time-Outs (Used Sparingly): If you do not believe in crate then pop them behind a baby gate, this helps them to calm and settle.
Protecting Yourself and Others: Supervision is Key! (Like a Hawk!)
Supervision is essential, especially during the teething phase. Think of yourself as a puppy bodyguard.
Supervise Interactions: Supervise all interactions between your puppy and children or other pets.
Teach Children: Teach children how to interact with the puppy gently and avoid provoking them. Explain that pulling ears or tails can cause the puppy to nip.
Avoid Rough Play: Avoid rough play that could encourage nipping.
Provide Safe Spaces: Ensure that children and other pets have safe spaces where they can retreat if they need a break from the puppy.
When to Seek Professional Help (Don't Be Afraid to Call in the Experts!):
Excessive Nipping: If your puppy's nipping is excessive or aggressive, or if you're feeling overwhelmed, seek professional help from a certified dog trainer or behaviorist who uses positive reinforcement methods. There's no shame in asking for help!
Other Behavioral Problems: If your puppy is exhibiting other behavioral problems, such as aggression, anxiety, or destructiveness, consult with a veterinarian or behaviorist.
Teething is a temporary phase, and with patience, consistency, a positive approach, and a good sense of humor, you can help your puppy through it while building a strong and loving bond. The key is to provide appropriate outlets for their chewing instincts, teach them bite inhibition, and always prioritize their safety and well-being. Good luck, and remember – this too shall pass! (And your furniture will thank you.)
