Why Is My Puppy Biting Me Aggressively?

paw
blogDetails.blogPreviewImage

If you have a new puppy, you may have noticed that they love to bite everything, including you. This may seem cute and harmless at first. But it can quickly become a problem if your puppy bites too hard or too often.


Importantly, puppy biting is a normal and natural behavior, but their body language can also indicate some underlying issues that must be addressed. We will explain:


  • What is the difference between normal and aggressive puppy biting
  • Possible reasons why your puppy may be biting you aggressively

You can help your puppy develop into a well-mannered and content dog by knowing their requirements and motivations.

The Difference Between Normal & Aggressive Puppy Bites

Puppy biting is a normal and natural behavior. Sometimes, it can also indicate some underlying issues that must be addressed. First, it is essential to understand the difference between normal and aggressive puppy biting, as they require different approaches and solutions.

Normal Playful Biting




Normal playful biting allows your puppy to learn and have fun. They bite things to see what they are and how they react. Besides, they bite you or other dogs to start a game or get attention. They do not mean to hurt you or be aggressive. Instead, they know how to control their bite and stop when you tell them to. This is normal and healthy behavior for a puppy.


One of the ways to stop normal playful biting in puppies is to teach them that biting means “game over.” This means that you should stop playing with them and ignore them whenever they bite you. This will help them learn that biting is not fun and that it will end their interaction with you. You need to teach them discipline without punishment.

Aggressive Biting

Aggressive biting is when your puppy bites you or other dogs, intending to cause harm or assert dominance. They may bite out of fear, frustration, anger, or territoriality. Aggressive biting is usually challenging, fast, and repeated. Your puppy bites with full force and does not stop quickly. It’s their abnormal behavior. They also do not respond well to feedback and may escalate their aggression if challenged or punished.


Some signs of aggressive biting include snarling, growling, snapping, lunging, baring teeth, biting and holding, and biting without provocation. Aggressive biting is not normal and should be addressed as soon as possible with the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.

Possible Reasons Why Your Puppy Biting You Aggressively?

There are some possible reasons for the aggressive biting of your puppy. If you can identify the actual reasons, you can take the proper steps for your beloved puppy.

As part of Playing and Learning About the World

As part of playing and learning about the world, your puppy may bite you or other objects with their mouth. This is how they discover new things and satisfy their curiosity.


Moreover, they also bite you or other dogs to start a game or get attention. This is how they communicate and socialize. This is normal and natural behavior for puppies. But it can also become excessive or inappropriate if not corrected. For example, your puppy may bite too hard, too often, or at the wrong time or place. This can hurt you or others, damage your belongings, or cause trouble with other dogs.


You can teach your puppy to play gently and appropriately in these situations by providing toys, feedback, and boundaries. Toys are objects your puppy can chew on safely and enjoyably, such as balls, ropes, or bones. You can help them learn to play gently and appropriately with you and others.

They May Have Developed Fear-Aggression or Reactivity

Some puppies may develop fear, aggression, or reactivity because they have not learned to cope with unfamiliar or scary stimuli. This can include loud noises, strangers, other dogs, children, or objects. These puppies may feel threatened or overwhelmed by these stimuli and try to escape or fight back. This can start wired behavior like barking, growling, snapping, or biting.


You can help your puppy overcome fear-aggression or reactivity by using only positive training methods. Ignore and redirect unwanted behavior rather than punishing your dog. Using rewards will encourage your dog to build positive associations with the training process. Besides, you have to be patient. Don’t set unrealistic expectations for your fearful dog.

Their Guarding Instinct

Your puppy may have a guarding instinct. This means they may try to keep their possessions or space from anyone who might take them away. This can make them bite you or other dogs if they feel threatened or challenged. This is an instinct for dogs but can also cause trouble and aggression if not managed.


You can teach your puppy to respect your authority and share their resources by using positive reinforcement, avoiding confrontation, and establishing rules and routines. Positive reinforcement means rewarding your puppy for good behavior, such as letting you touch their food or toys or giving up their bed when you ask them to. This can help your puppy feel more secure and confident and less likely to bite.

Poor Breeding and Genetics

Poor breeding and genetics can affect your puppy’s personality and health. Some breeders may not care about the quality or welfare of their dogs and may breed them irresponsibly or unethically. This can result in puppies that have inherited genetic disorders, diseases, or defects or that have inherited a tendency to bite or show aggression. These puppies may be more challenging to train and control and more prone to behavioral problems, such as anxiety, fear, or dominance.


However, it is not impossible to calm an aggressive dog. You can reduce the impact of poor and aggressive breeding and genetics by choosing a reputable breeder who follows ethical and professional standards. A reputable breeder will provide you with health certificates, pedigrees, and references for their dogs. They will also ensure their puppies are well-socialized, vaccinated, and microchipped. They will also be honest and transparent about potential health or behavioral issues in their lines and offer you support and guidance throughout your puppy’s life.

They May Have Been Injured

Sometimes, your puppy may bite you because they are hurting or feeling unwell. This can be due to an injury, such as a cut, a bruise, a broken bone, an illness, an infection, a parasite, or a disease. When your puppy is in pain or discomfort, they may become more cranky, touchy, or defensive and may not want to be touched or handled. They may also bite you to warn you or make you stop doing something that hurts them.


At this moment, you should prevent or treat your puppy’s injury or illness by checking them regularly for signs of trouble, such as limping, bleeding, swelling, scratching, coughing, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. If you notice any of these signs or your puppy seems to be in pain or discomfort, you should take them to the vet as soon as possible and ensure their safety.

New Teething

New teething is a phase every puppy goes through as they transition from their baby teeth to their adult teeth. This usually happens when they are between three and six months old and can last several weeks. During this time, your puppy may experience discomfort, pain, or inflammation in their gums. This can make them want to bite or chew on anything they can find. This can include your fingers, toes, furniture, or shoes. This is not a sign of aggression but a natural way for your puppy to relieve their teething pains.


You can provide extra care with chew toys and soothe their gums with ice or cold water to help your puppy cope with teething. Besides, you have to avoid rough play or pulling on their mouth. Chew rubber, edible rings, or flavored toys can be used safely. You can give them treats that have been frozen, or frozen fruits or vegetables can also help reduce swelling and numb pain. To avoid damage, stay away from biting games. Since teething is a transient phase, acknowledge and encourage positive conduct. For additional advice, speak with your veterinarian.

Categories

  • All Post arrow
  • Lost & Found Pet Tips arrow
  • Pet Behavior arrow
  • Pet Training arrow
  • Pet Food arrow
  • Pet Health arrow
  • Pet Care arrow
  • Pet Safety arrow
  • Others arrow

Get Your Pet Back Home

Over 10 million dogs and cats are lost or stolen every year. You can report your missing pets with PawMaw.

https://pawmaw-images.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/Blog-Image/what-to-do-if-dog-bites-me.png
Pet Behavior
January 14, 2025 Pawmaw

What To Do If Dog Bites Me?

When a dog bite appears on your skin, you might need to take precautions such as treating the injury immediately, identifying the owner, and cleaning ...

https://pawmaw-images.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/Blog-Image/what-to-do-if-a-dog-attacks-while-walking.png
Pet Behavior
January 12, 2025 Pawmaw

What To Do If A Dog Attacks While Walking?

Stay safe, remain calm, and avoid eye contact with aggressive dogs. When a dog attacks, protect yourself with shields and ask passersby for help.

https://pawmaw-images.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/Blog-Image/how-to-safely-break-up-a-dog-fight.png
Pet Behavior
December 31, 2024 Pawmaw

How to Safely Break Up a Dog fight

Learn practical strategies for safely breaking up a dogfight. Learn essential tips to protect yourself and your pets in tense situations.

Get Your Pet Back Home

Over 10 million dogs and cats are lost or stolen every year. You can report your missing pets with PawMaw. We can notify thousands nearby within a minute.

Report Lost Pet
dog-image-01.webp