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My dog has been biting a lot. Is he teething?

Important Disclaimer

The information provided here is for general pet health education only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional veterinary advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately.

J
Jax
Registered pet
Species & breed
Dog · Goldendoodle
Age
2 months old
Sex
Male
Color
Red

Teething is very likely what's going on with Jax! At 2 months old, he's right in the thick of puppyhood, and biting — sometimes a lot of it — is completely normal at this stage. Here's a quick overview of what's happening and what you can do.

What's going on developmentally

Puppies are born with no teeth, then grow a set of small, sharp "baby teeth" (also called deciduous teeth) in their first few weeks of life. Around 3–6 months, those baby teeth start falling out and adult teeth come in. At 2 months, Jax likely has most or all of his baby teeth already, and his gums may be tender and uncomfortable. Biting and chewing is his way of relieving that pressure — it's instinct, not bad behavior.

What you can do at home

  • Offer appropriate chew toys. Look for soft rubber or flexible chew toys designed for puppies. Avoid anything too hard (a general rule: if it would hurt to knock on your knee, it's too hard for a puppy's teeth).
  • Try a chilled chew toy. Putting a damp rope toy or rubber toy in the freezer for a bit can soothe sore gums — similar to how a cold teething ring works for babies.
  • Redirect, don't punish. When Jax bites your hand, calmly say "no" or "ouch," stop the play for a moment, and offer a toy instead. Consistency here is key for teaching bite inhibition (learning how hard is too hard).
  • Short, frequent play sessions. Puppies tire quickly. Keeping sessions short reduces overstimulation, which is often when biting gets worse.
  • Socialization classes. A puppy class is a great way for Jax to learn bite manners from other puppies and a trainer.

A note on puppy biting vs. aggression

Most puppy biting is playful and exploratory. If the biting seems accompanied by growling, stiff body posture, or seems fear-based rather than playful, that's worth mentioning to your vet or a certified trainer.


When to see your vet:

Schedule a routine visit soon if you haven't already — at 2 months, Jax is due for puppy vaccinations and a general wellness check. While you're there, your vet can take a look at his teeth and gums. Reach out sooner if you notice:

  • Swollen, bleeding, or very red gums
  • Difficulty eating or reluctance to chew
  • A tooth that looks stuck or misaligned
  • Any signs of pain beyond normal teething fussiness

Otherwise, this sounds like perfectly normal puppy behavior — hang in there, it does get better! 🐾

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