When do puppies grow out of things like play biting?

The super annoying answer is.. when you teach them to do something different.

It’s a common misconception that puppies will ‘grow out things’. I hear lots of hopeful comments like “he is very bitey but it’s just a puppy phase”, and “she jumps up at everyone but she will be calmer when she is older”.

The truth is puppies grow up, but not out of anything. They are learning every day of their young lives, and they are like little sponges, they learn fast and easily. So if something is enjoyable for them they will do more of it. Once it is practiced it becomes well learned. Then you are stuck with it. I know a large adult dog that grabs human hands and arms when she gets excited, learned as puppy play biting it now reads as something more alarming, even though it isn’t.

So avoid waiting for things you don’t like to go away, choose an alternative activity that you find acceptable and make it your mission to teach them to do that. They want to bite? Teeth on toys please. They are excited to greet? Paws on the floor for a fuss.

It takes time and lots and lots of repetition - because that is how learning works (for us too) so keep at it, and enlist everyone’s help. You will be very glad you did.