Bringing home a Whippet puppy is an exciting time – but those needle-sharp teeth can come as quite a shock! Like all puppies, Whippets use their mouths to explore the world, play, and learn, and while biting and nipping are normal puppy behaviours, it can quickly become frustrating or even painful if not managed properly. This article is being written by someone currently being eaten alive by an 8-week-old, so you’re not alone!
Why Puppies Bite
Puppies bite for a few key reasons:
- Teething – usually between 3–6 months, when gums are sore and they chew for relief, although the biting stage will start right away.
- Play – in the litter, play involves mouthing and mock fighting. Your hands, face, and feet can easily become the substitute for their littermates. Play between puppies can look very rough, full of “bitey-face” games and noisy scuffles, but it’s all completely normal puppy behaviour.
- Attention-seeking – a nip often gets a reaction, even if it’s not the one you want to give!
- Overstimulation or tiredness – biting can be a sign that they’re overtired or need calming down. If they start to go into tantrum mode, they may need to cry it out for a few minutes in their crate, and they usually fall fast asleep afterwards.
What To Do
Calm and consistent distraction techniques are key. Heavy-handed corrections can make Whippets anxious, while conversely, letting the biting go unchallenged only encourages it more.
Provide plenty of suitable chew options. Offer different textures (rubber, rope, frozen carrot) and rotate toys to keep them interesting. You may need a pile next to you at all times! Shredding boxes can also keep them entertained – they must be supervised, and it requires some tidying up, but it does help a lot.
Use socialising to your advantage. New sights, sounds, people, and experiences are both stimulating and tiring for young puppies. A well-planned socialisation outing can often prevent at least one “bitey” session a day simply by wearing them out mentally as well as physically.
Redirect, don’t punish. When teeth touch skin, immediately offer a toy instead. Calmly remove your hand and avoid shouting.
What Not to Do
Don’t shake, shout at, or tap the puppy – it only teaches fear.
Don’t play roughly with your hands – this blurs the lines between play and discipline.
Don’t expect instant results – – consistency over a few weeks makes the difference.
Normal vs Worrying Behaviour
A certain amount of nipping is completely normal, but if the puppy becomes genuinely aggressive, growls when handled, or doesn’t respond to calm redirection, seek advice from an experienced trainer familiar with sighthounds.
The “Witching” Hour
This intriguing term is used to describe a period, usually but not always, in the late afternoon or early evening when puppies have a sudden burst of energy. This is often accompanied by behaviors like excessive barking, biting, running around wildly, and an apparent inability to listen to humans.
This period can last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more, and its intensity can vary from puppy to puppy. Some puppies might simply become more playful and energetic, while others might transform into destructive little gremlins.
The key to getting through the puppy witching hour lies in understanding its underlying cause(s) which could be overtiredness, overstimulation, pent-up energy and/or teething, and developing strategies to manage it effectively. It’s not about punishing your puppy – it’s about channeling their energy and helping them learn to regulate their behavior.
Final Thoughts
Every Whippet puppy goes through a “piranha” stage – it’s part of growing up. Remember, it is just a stage and it will soon be over. Stay patient, consistent, and positive, and before long those sharp teeth will be replaced by gentle manners and a well-adjusted young Whippet who knows how to use their mouth politely.