Check the basics first
Most 'bad' biting is an over-tired puppy. If they've been awake more than 60–90 minutes, try a nap in the pen before any training.
Bored, under-exercised puppies also bite more. Sniffy walks, food puzzles, and short training sessions drain mental energy.
In-the-moment redirection
Keep a long soft toy or rope where you sit. The moment teeth touch skin, offer the toy. Tug a little — that's an appropriate target.
If they ignore the toy and keep biting, calmly stand up and step over a baby gate for 10–20 seconds. The fun pauses. Come back, try again.
Never scruff, swat, hold their mouth shut, or yell. These create fear, slow learning, and can spike future bite risk.
Build alternatives
Feed at least one meal a day from a snuffle mat, slow feeder, or Kong. Chewing and sniffing are self-soothing.
Teach 'touch' (hand target) and reward it heavily. A puppy with a 'touch' cue has somewhere to put their mouth that isn't your sleeve.