Puppy Training : Puppies are CRAZY: How to Survive The Puppy Witching Hour
- Kari Bastyr, MS, CDBC, CPCN
- Dec 18, 2018
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 27
The Puppy Witching Hour
Puppies are undeniably adorable, but let’s not sugarcoat it. They can also be downright nuts. Anyone who’s raised a puppy knows there’s a certain time of day when their behavior goes from playful to pure chaos. Welcome to the Puppy Witching Hour, that maddening stretch from 5 to 8 p.m. when your sweet little furball transforms into a biting, zooming whirlwind of energy.
If you’ve ever wondered if your puppy was possessed by a tiny demon, you’re not alone. However, with the right approach, the Puppy Witching Hour doesn’t have to leave you frustrated or covered in scratches. Armed with a plan, you can turn this chaotic time into an opportunity for bonding and training. Download my Puppy Witching Hour Madness Guide below for a comprehensive plan. Or better yet, schedule a Puppy Witching Hour consultation.
Surviving the Puppy Witching Hour
The key to surviving your puppy’s shark-like biting spree is preparation.
It’s time to stock up and strategize:
High-Value Distractions
Your hands are not chew toys, so don’t let them become one. When your puppy starts biting, offer a different bone every 20 seconds if necessary. They’ll keep returning to your hands, and you’ll keep redirecting them, over and over again. Here is a list of my favorite chew bones.
Softer Alternatives
Keep a braided rope or a squeaky toy handy for those moments when your pup needs something soft to gnaw on. These alternatives satisfy their urge to bite while saving your hands.
Frozen Treats
A frozen Toppl or a Kong can be a lifesaver. You can even feed meals in frozen in these types of toys.
LickMats and Feeder Trays
A LickMats and feeder trays work great. Freeze it and watch your pup’s biting frenzy turn into a focused licking session.
Biting = Play Stops
If your puppy’s biting becomes excessive, pause all play immediately. This teaches them that biting doesn’t lead to more fun, but it leads to a break.
No Hands-On Play
It’s tempting to engage in hand-based play, but it only encourages biting. Keep your hands out of their face and focus on using toys instead.
Avoid the Hangry Puppy
Sometimes, a bitey puppy is just a hangry puppy. A satisfied belly often leads to a calmer pup.
Taming the Chaos with Kids
If you have kids, you’ve probably noticed they have a Witching Hour too. Combine that with a hyper puppy, and you’ve got a recipe for mayhem. Encourage calm interactions between your children and the puppy during this time.
Tug and Fetch
Tug-of-war can be a useful tool for teaching impulse control. You can also use multiple balls, rolling one after another for Fetch that keeps them engaged.
Flirt Poles
A flirt pole, which is a long pole with a toy attached, can work wonders. It keeps your hands safe while letting your puppy burn off energy by chasing the toy.
Don’t Punish! What to Avoid:
I totally understand the frustration when you have an out-of-control baby shark in your living room. But getting angry will only increase your puppy’s frantic-ness and biti-ness. If you yell, spank, slap, or hit your puppy for biting, you are only teaching them to fear you. And they could start biting more out of fear. It’s better to give them (and you) time away from each other. Put your puppy safely in their crate with a chew bone, and go for a walk. This is all part of having a puppy, and it’s your responsibility to teach them with kindness.
Lastly, please DO NOT squirt them with water, or worse, push down on their teeth with their lip, bite them back, or try and grab their tongue. Yes, these are all things you will find on the internet, but please do no attempt. You will do irrevocable damage to your sweet friend who simply is just communicating with his or her teeth. Reach out to me or another professional dog trainer who uses positive rewards for help. There are plenty of us out there!
Teaching Cues to Curb Biting
Training commands like “Off” and “Leave It” are essential tools in managing your puppy’s behavior.
With preparation and consistency, the Puppy Witching Hour doesn’t have to feel like a battle. By redirecting your puppy’s energy and reinforcing positive behavior, you’ll make evenings calmer and more enjoyable for everyone. Remember, every phase is temporary, and with time, even the craziest puppy can mature into a calm, stable adult dog.
