Why Dogs Mouth People

Puppies explore the world with their mouths the way human toddlers use their hands. When a puppy bites your fingers during play, it is gathering information, not attacking.

Adult dogs that still mouth people usually learned as puppies that skin is an acceptable chew toy. The behavior persists because it works — it gets attention, starts play, or sparks interaction. Breaking this habit means changing what your dog gets from biting versus not biting.