Should I let my puppy mouth my hands?
Written by
Elin Eriksson
Reviewed by
Prof. David Walsh, Ph.D.Controlled hand mouthing, utilized appropriately, teaches puppies vital bite pressure regulation. The now unfashionable technique mimics how littermates "tattle" to each other about play that is too rough. I suggest only doing it during calm training, with strict limits on bite pressure edition. Uncontrolled mouthing in arousal situations can lead to dangerous habits.
Pressure Regulation Training
- Permit only Level 1-2 pressure during designated sessions
- Immediately end session if teeth cause discomfort
- Use yelp feedback to mimic natural puppy communication
Progressive Elimination
- Begin reducing skin contact frequency after week four
- Substitute toy interactions for hand mouthing gradually
- Achieve zero skin contact by training completion
Never allow mouthing during excited states. The high-energy play period produces an instinctive call of hard biting. Obliterate training from active playtimes. Have chew toys readily available as immediate substitutes when excitement grows. This distinction will prevent confusion about what is acceptable in terms of effort.
Some breeds require special consideration. Retriever breeds naturally enjoy soft mouthing and take to the game naturally. Terriers may require shorter sessions with higher-value toys. Herding breeds might enjoy mouthing at times, but not in an unstructured way; instead, it should be part of a game or structured exercise. Aim to adapt your technique to your puppy's instincts.
Everyone in the family should follow these same rules. The children should put down a toy before their hands get involved and should try to do this under supervision. Grown-ups should never play rough games that cause mouth injuries. Consistent enforcement of rules throughout all interactions ensures that the puppy will learn that human skin is not for play.
Read the full article: Puppy Bite Inhibition: Essential Training Guide
