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Many owners are surprised when a bulldog bites. Bulldogs are known as friendly, affectionate family dogs, and a bite almost always has a reason: a teething puppy, fear, pain, over-excitement or something the dog is guarding.
Dogs Trust describe it this way: “Mouthing and biting are normal puppy behaviours that most pups grow out of.” They add that it is “often linked to overexcitement, frustration, and pain”, and that “Typically, when teething is finished after around seven months, your dog will be mouthing a lot less.”
This guide covers what to do when a puppy mouths you and when an adult bulldog bites. Two things come first. Rule out pain with your vet, because a dog that has newly started biting may be hurting. And ask a qualified reward-based trainer or a veterinary behaviourist for help early, not after everything else has failed. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recommends reward-based methods.
What To Do When Your Bulldog Puts Teeth On You
These steps follow the Dogs Trust advice for puppies:
- Stay still. “If your puppy puts their teeth on you, stop what you’re doing and stay still.” Drop any toy you are holding.
- Cross your arms. “If they continue to mouth, turn away and cross your arms – a clear signal that your attention has been withdrawn.”
- Move away. If that does not work, leave the room or use a stair gate for a moment so your dog can calm down, then come back.
- Redirect and reward. Offer a chew toy and reward the moment your dog takes it instead of your hand.
Do not spray anything into the mouth or face, and do not use anything the dog finds unpleasant to stop the behaviour. Pulling your hand away fast can turn the bite into a game, so stay still where you can.
How Strong Is An English Bulldog’s Bite?
Bulldogs are a strong, sturdy breed with powerful jaws and a low centre of gravity, and they were originally bred for bull-baiting. That history is why a bite from a bulldog can hurt even when the dog does not mean harm. We could not find a reliable published bite-force figure for the breed, so we have not quoted one.
If a bite breaks the skin, wash the wound and speak to a doctor. If your dog has bitten more than once, speak to your vet and a qualified behaviourist. For growling, guarding and other warning signs, see English Bulldog aggressive behaviour.
Shouting Makes Biting Worse
Dogs Trust warn: “raised voices, or pushing your dog down can increase frustration and fear. This can make the behaviour worse in the long term and damage the relationship between you and your dog.”
The more useful response is the quiet one. Stop the interaction, give the dog space, and go back to rewarding what you want once everyone has settled.
Ignore The Bite, Reward The Calm
Dogs repeat what gets them attention. When your bulldog bites for attention, calmly end the game and give no eye contact or talk for a short time, then reward calm behaviour. Do this every time, and ask everyone in the house to do the same.
Socialise Your Bulldog Early
A dog that meets different people and dogs in a calm, controlled way while young is more likely to feel relaxed about them as an adult. Take short, gentle outings and ask your vet or trainer how to socialise a puppy safely before its vaccinations are complete.
Do Not Count On Neutering To Fix Biting
Neutering is a decision for you and your vet. Do not rely on it to solve biting. Ask your vet about the right timing and whether pain or a health problem could be behind the behaviour, and keep training either way.
Start Young, Give Something To Chew
Puppy bites are small and can seem cute, but a habit that is not guided at a young age can become a problem in a heavy adult. Teach the same rules from the first week.
When bulldog puppies are teething they will chew almost anything, including your hand. Keep chews and chew toys within reach, and swap one in whenever teeth touch skin. Supervise your dog with any chew and take away pieces small enough to swallow.
Two chews to consider (details are from the Amazon listings; we have not tested them):
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link — Dog Fluffy may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.See the Hartz Chew ’n Clean Dental Duo Bacon Flavored Dog Chew Toy on Amazon
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link — Dog Fluffy may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.See the Pedigree Dentastix Large Breed Dental Dog Treats on Amazon
The Hartz listing is a dental chew toy and treat for large dogs, and the Dentastix pack is sold for large breeds. Check the size range on each listing against your dog’s weight, and count dental treats in the daily treat allowance. We could not confirm current stock for the Hartz chew, so check the listing.
Learn Your Bulldog’s Body Language
Learn the signs of a dog that is uncomfortable or afraid, so you can step in before a bite:
- Bared teeth
- Growling
- A lowered head
- Ears pinned flat
If you see these signs, calmly take your dog away from strangers and give him space to settle. Do not punish a growl: it is a warning, and punishing it can teach a dog to skip the warning.
Consistency Beats Being The Boss
Dogs do not need to be shown who is boss. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior dominance position statement sets out why. What looks like a bid for rank is usually fear, pain, guarding something valuable, or a dog that has never been taught what to do instead.
What changes behaviour is consistency. The same rules from everyone in the house, the same rewards for the same choices, and enough sleep and enrichment that your bulldog is not permanently over-tired.
Get Professional Help Early
Ask a qualified trainer or a veterinary behaviourist for help early, and choose one who uses rewards only. Dogs Trust also run a free Behaviour Support Line for owners in the UK. If the biting is new, if it keeps getting worse, or if it starts again after it had improved, see your vet first, because it can be a sign of illness or discomfort.
Before You Go
Biting has a cause, and nearly always a fix. Stay calm, reward what you want, and get help early. Our guide to training English bulldogs is a good next read.
While you work on the behaviour, a muzzle can keep everyone safe — and finding one that fits a flat face is harder than it sounds.
