If we live with a puppy, surely we have experienced its tendency to bite absolutely everything. So, it is totally normal for us to ask ourselves At what age do dogs stop biting everything This behavior can become problematic for some caregivers, especially if they do not understand why such behavior is due or even think that the animal does it maliciously. Nothing further. In this article on our site we will explain the causes of these bites and what we should do.
My puppy bites everything
One of the most defining characteristics of puppies is their obsession with biting. Shoes, toys, furniture, clothes, cables and even ourselves become objects that can fall on his teeth. And it is that, our puppy does not stop biting, but in no case does he do it to annoy. He just follows his instincts
On the one hand, these little ones will display the exploratory behavior typical of the offspring of many species. Thanks to it they discover their environment and their own limits, which is essential to acquire teachings that will serve them throughout their lives. Lacking hands, the dog's mouth will be a fundamental tool for manipulation.
But, in addition, the puppies will have what is known as baby teethAs in humans, these are present in the first stage of life, they are fewer, smaller and finer than those that will constitute the definitive teeth. Therefore, this behavior is accentuated when the puppy's teeth change.
Puppies begin to lose these teeth and replace them with adult teeth at about four months. This physiological process has been related to a greater desire to bite In any case, these are stages that end, which all puppies suffer to a greater or lesser extent and which are not they are due to no malice on his part. Later we will see at what age dogs stop biting everything.
My dog bites my hands
Although biting is normal behavior in puppies and can be maintained as adults, it is not desirable. On the contrary, we must prevent the bites that are directed towards us, although it is important to know that, in these cases, are not a sign of aggressiveness, but they can reach be if we are not able to set the limits.
A puppy of a couple of months that nibbles our fingers is even funny, that's why many caregivers do not avoid it. But dogs grow and what is acceptable in a baby can be dangerous or painful in an adult dog, even if it is a miniature breed. For this reason, and even playing around, we should never let the dog bite us.
But how do you teach a puppy not to bite? Just immediately interrupt the game, offering him a suitable toy instead. We will repeat this pattern as many times as necessary and we will congratulate the little one with caresses, kind words or a prize when he plays with what we have given him. In a short time this behavior will stop and we will see at what age dogs stop biting everything.
My puppy bites a lot and doesn't listen
Sometimes the puppy bites everything and doesn't give up no matter how much we call his attention. In these cases we must look at his living conditions. If he spends a lot of time alone, he doesn't have enough stimuli or he is frustrated or stressed, he can develop destructive behaviors, beyond normal biting.
It is not enough to correct these situations with the indicated guideline alone. We need to change his life routine. We will start by improving his environmental enrichment, but we will also provide more attention, more company, more walks and exerciseare essential to reduce anxiety. Of course, if the puppy has not yet completed its vaccination schedule, he will not be able to go out to areas frequented by dogs whose vaccination status is unknown to prevent him from contracting serious infectious diseases such as parvovirus or distemper.
Finally, if we are unable to redirect the situation, the solution is to contact a veterinarian specialized in canine behavior or a ethologistThey are the right professionals to deal with behavioral problems. They will be able to advise us and explain to us at what age the dog would stop biting everything and how to calm a puppy that bites
When do puppies stop biting?
We have seen what factors explain the biting behavior of puppies. We can use them to find out at what age dogs stop biting everything. Thus, by seven months the dog's teeth will be the definitive one. This fact will decrease the urge to bite objects
But, since at six months most breeds will continue to be puppies, that is, playful and exploring, it is possible that these behaviors continue for a few more months. By one year, in general, most dogs will have matured enough to stop biting. In conclusion, the age at which dogs stop biting everything will be approximately twelve months
Of course, it is possible that, beyond that date, the dog will bite unknown objects to explore them or use the destruction as a relief if it suffers from separation anxiety, destructive or aggressive behaviors that we have not been able to eradicate in advance.
My dog bites other dogs while playing
Games in which dogs exchange bites are common, although more than bites, what actually happens is closer to marking with the mouthwhich may or may not include grunting. This is how they measure their strength, mark their limits and, the little ones, learn how far they can bite without causing damage.
Some caregivers are alarmed and intervene quickly, but we must know that this is completely normal behavior. As long as the dog's attitude and body posture denote play, there is nothing to fear. It is not aggression. In this sense, knowing the dog's body language is essential. Planting the front legs on the ground, raising the rump, wagging the tail and not wrinkling the snout will indicate that the dog just wants to play and that he is facing a positive interaction.
On the other hand, if it stands still and watches, shows its teeth, bristles the hairs on its back, leaves its tail stiff and pounces on another, we are facing a problem. aggressiveness These cases always require the intervention of a professional, otherwise they can go further
We have seen at what age dogs stop biting everything, but if they bite during play with other dogs, it is common for them to maintain this habit throughout their lives. It is his way of playing and should not be repressed Yes, we can take him if we observe that the other dog is not receptive or enjoys a game that may be too rough for him.
When does a puppy stop peeing in the house?
Finally, in addition to the destruction, caregivers often wonder when their puppy is going to stop peeing inside the house, just as they wondered at what age dogs stop biting everything. In general, we can relate both processes to the maturity of the animal, but, in the case of sphincter control, there will be many variations depending on each dog and their living conditions.
If we can always be with him we can take him out to urinate more times, which means more learning opportunities, so control will be faster. Still, teaching a puppy to pee outside can take a few months. Also, some dogs are able to hold out during the day and wait for walks, but the night hours are too many and they can't help but urinate in the house.
This situation can last up to approximately a year of life, unless we walk him very late at night and very early in the morning, thus reducing the hours he must learn to endure. Of course, throughout this learning process we must not scold the puppy if he leaks urine at home.
