The Rugby Puppy Parent’s Guide to Surviving the 'Land Shark' Phase

If you’re a new puppy owner in Rugby or Warwickshire, you’ve likely realised one thing: puppy teeth are basically tiny, furry needles!

It’s one of the most common things people ask me during my 1-to-1 sessions—"Is this biting normal?" The answer is almost always yes, but knowing it’s normal doesn't make your ankles feel any better. Having spent over a decade as a professional dog trainer, I’ve seen thousands of puppies, and I can tell you that the "Land Shark" phase is a rite of passage.

But here is the good news… It… will… pass. I promise.

Here is a quick look at why it happens and how we can get your puppy’s focus off your skin and onto the right things.

Why Do Puppies Bite?

There are a few reasons your puppy is using you as a pincushion:

Exploring the World: Puppies investigate with their mouths just like human babies use their hands. It’s their natural response to everything new.
Play Skills: They use their mouths to play with other puppies. They just haven't learnt yet that human skin is much thinner than dog scruff!
Teething: When those gums are sore, biting provides pressure that actually relieves the pain. We can't blame them for that.
Over-Tiredness: If a puppy is overwhelmed, they may bite to create space. Think of the "evening zoomies"—an overtired puppy is a bitey puppy!

How Do We Know What’s "Normal"?

Most biting is just standard puppy curiosity. However, if your puppy is biting relentlessly, cannot be calmed, or seems to be biting out of genuine fear or frustration, it might be a sign that something else is going on.

If you’re worried that your puppy’s behaviour feels different or more intense, I offer in-home 'Right Start' consultations across Rugby, Warwick, and the surrounding villages to give you peace of mind and a practical plan.

[Click here to email me—I’m happy to help you figure it out.]

How to Stop the Biting (And Save Your Skin)

Variety is Key: Provide chew toys with different textures—soft, hard, and cold. Keep a "toy station" in every room so you can grab one quickly.
Redirect, Don't React: If those teeth hit skin, calmly remove yourself or the puppy from the situation. Redirect them immediately to a legal chew toy.
Supervise Social Time: Especially with children. If the puppy gets too "wired," it's time for a nap in a crate or pen.
Bite Inhibition: Don't engage when they are mouthy. Avoid rough wrestling with your hands; they won't understand why they can do it to you but not to everyone!

The "Big No-No" List

Don't Punish: Hitting or yelling only makes a puppy afraid of you. Fear leads to more biting, not less.
Stop the Squealing: You might have heard this helps, but in my experience, it just makes you a "human squeaky toy." It makes you more exciting to bite!
Timing is Everything: Don't try to groom or cuddle your puppy when they have the zoomies. They’ll choose the wrong behaviour because they’re too worked up.

Want to get your training off to the 'Right Start'?

Training a puppy is rewarding, but it can be exhausting when you're doing it alone! I specialise in helping Rugby and Warwickshire owners turn "Land Sharks" into calm, sociable companions.

Every journey begins with a 90-minute 'Right Start' Consultation where we tackle your immediate struggles and create your personalised success roadmap.

[Click here to Email Me and check my current availability]

[Or check out my Services Page here for more info]