Congratulations! You’ve found the perfect pup on findusapuppies.com, brought them home, and fallen in love. Everything is a dream… until those tiny, needle-sharp teeth meet your favorite pair of sneakers (or your ankles).
Welcome to the “Land Shark” phase.
Teething is a completely natural—and let’s be honest, slightly painful—part of a puppy’s development. At Find USA Puppies, we want to make sure your transition into pet parenthood is as “ouch-free” as possible. Here is your survival guide to the teething months.
Why Is My Puppy Biting Everything?
Before you assume your sweet Maltipoo has joined a biker gang, remember: Puppies explore the world with their mouths. Between 3 to 6 months of age, your puppy is losing their “milk teeth” to make room for 42 adult teeth. This process causes gum pressure and discomfort. Biting isn’t an act of aggression; it’s a way to soothe that throbbing sensation in their jaw.
3 Pro-Tips to Save Your Furniture (And Your Skin)
1. The “Ice, Ice Baby” Method
Cold is the best natural numbing agent for sore gums.
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The Frozen Washcloth: Soak a clean washcloth in water (or low-sodium chicken broth for flavor), twist it into a rope, and freeze it. The cold soothes the gums, and the texture is satisfying to chew.
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Frozen Carrots: A cold, crunchy carrot is a healthy, low-calorie snack that doubles as a teething ring.
2. The “Redirect, Don’t Reject” Strategy
When your puppy nips your hand, your instinct might be to pull away and yelp. Instead:
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Swap it out: Immediately place a high-quality chew toy (like a Kong or a rubber ring) in their mouth.
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The Goal: You want to teach them that “Human skin is boring, but toys are fun and rewarding.”
3. High-Value “Long Chews”
Provide your puppy with safe, digestible chews that take time to work through. At Find USA Puppies, we recommend looking for:
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Bully Sticks (for supervised play).
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Rubber Teething Toys (specifically designed for puppy-strength jaws).
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Nylabones (ensure they are the “Puppy” strength version).
When to Call the Vet
While most puppies handle teething like champs, keep an eye out for:
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Retained Milk Teeth: If an adult tooth comes in but the baby tooth refuses to fall out (the “double row” look), it’s time for a vet visit.
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Refusing Food: If they stop eating because their mouth is too sore, they might need a soft-food diet for a few days.
The “Reverse Time-Out”
If your puppy gets too “mouthy” during play and won’t redirect to a toy, try the Reverse Time-Out.
Instead of putting the puppy in the crate, you leave the room. Stand behind a baby gate or close a door for 30 seconds. This teaches the puppy that “Biting makes the fun person disappear.” In the puppy world, that’s the ultimate consequence!
Finding Your (Calmer) Best Friend
The teething phase is temporary, but the bond you’re building is forever. Every puppy we list on findusapuppies.com comes from a background of care, making them much more receptive to the training and love you provide during these “sharky” months.
Still looking for a new family member to spoil?