Teething in English Mastiffs: What to Expect and How to Help
Understanding the Teething Phase and Managing Chewing, Discomfort, and Developmental Behavior
Estimated Reading Time: 13–16 Minutes
Last Updated: July 2026
Quick Answer
Teething in English Mastiff puppies typically begins around 3 to 4 months of age and can continue until approximately 6 to 8 months. During this time, puppies experience discomfort as their baby teeth are replaced by adult teeth, which often leads to increased chewing, biting, drooling, and oral exploration.
This is a normal developmental stage. With proper management, appropriate chew outlets, and consistent guidance, teething can be navigated without long-term behavioral issues.
At a Glance
Best For: Owners with puppies 10 weeks to 8 months
Difficulty: Beginner
Primary Focus: Managing teething discomfort and redirecting chewing behavior
Key Concept: Chewing is not misbehavior—it is a biological need during development
Understanding the Teething Process
English Mastiffs go through the same biological teething process as all dogs, but their size and jaw strength make this stage more noticeable and sometimes more challenging for owners.
The process involves two key phases:
Loss of puppy teeth
Emergence of adult teeth
During this transition, the gums can become sore and inflamed, which increases the puppy’s natural desire to chew on objects for relief.
Chewing is not optional for the puppy during this stage—it is instinctive and necessary.
When Teething Starts and Ends
While every puppy develops slightly differently, the general timeline is:
3–4 months: Teething begins; puppy teeth start loosening
4–6 months: Active teething phase; most discomfort occurs here
6–8 months: Adult teeth mostly in place; chewing gradually decreases
During peak teething periods, owners often notice a significant increase in chewing behavior.
Common Signs of Teething
During this phase, English Mastiff puppies may:
Chew on furniture, shoes, or household items
Bite hands or clothing more frequently
Drool more than usual
Experience mild gum bleeding
Rub or paw at their mouth
Show increased irritability or restlessness
Seek constant chewing relief
These behaviors are normal and temporary.
Why Teething Increases Biting Behavior
Many owners interpret increased biting as aggression or disobedience. In reality, it is usually discomfort-driven behavior combined with exploration.
Puppies use their mouths to:
Relieve gum pressure
Explore textures
Self-soothe
Interact with their environment
Because English Mastiffs are large-breed dogs with powerful jaws, even playful biting can feel intense.
Understanding intent is critical during this phase.
What NOT to Do During Teething
Avoid responses that can unintentionally worsen behavior:
Punishing chewing behavior without redirection
Using harsh corrections during discomfort-driven biting
Encouraging rough hand play
Inconsistent rules about what is allowed to be chewed
Ignoring the need for appropriate chew outlets
Punishment does not remove the urge to chew—it only creates confusion.
What TO Do Instead
The goal during teething is redirection, not suppression.
Effective strategies include:
Providing appropriate chew toys at all times
Rotating toys to maintain interest
Offering frozen chew items for gum relief
Redirecting biting to approved objects immediately
Using calm, consistent correction paired with redirection
Supervising interactions closely during peak teething months
Consistency is more important than intensity.
Safe Chewing Options
English Mastiffs require durable, appropriately sized chew items.
Common options include:
Heavy-duty rubber chew toys
Frozen wet washcloths (supervised use)
Puppy-safe natural chews
Large breed-appropriate teething toys
Enrichment feeders designed for chewing
Avoid anything small enough to swallow or easily break apart.
The Importance of Redirection Timing
Timing is critical when managing teething behavior.
The most effective moment to redirect chewing is:
The instant before the behavior escalates or becomes repetitive.
If a puppy is allowed to rehearse unwanted chewing behavior repeatedly, it becomes more ingrained as a habit rather than a temporary developmental phase.
From Our Experience
At Mastiff Kennel of America, we’ve found that teething behavior is one of the most misunderstood stages for new owners.
Many families assume their puppy is becoming destructive or poorly behaved when in reality they are simply navigating a necessary developmental phase.
Puppies that are given appropriate chew outlets, consistent redirection, and structured supervision typically move through teething with minimal long-term issues.
The key is not eliminating chewing—it is guiding it appropriately.
Common Mistake
One of the most common mistakes owners make is reacting emotionally to chewing behavior.
Frustration often leads to inconsistent responses, such as allowing chewing on some days but punishing it on others. This inconsistency can confuse the puppy and slow learning.
A calm, predictable approach produces far better long-term results.
Did You Know?
Puppies are born without fully developed adult teeth, and their jaw strength increases significantly during the first year of life. Proper chew management during this developmental window can influence long-term chewing habits well into adulthood.
Myth vs. Fact
Myth: Teething causes bad behavior.
Fact: Teething causes discomfort, and discomfort leads to increased chewing behavior. With proper guidance, this phase is temporary and manageable.
Related Articles
Understanding Fear Periods in English Mastiffs
The First 30 Days With Your English Mastiff Puppy
Early Socialization: The First 8 Weeks That Shape Your English Mastiff for Life
Understanding English Mastiff Temperament: Puppy vs. Adult Behavior
Why Is My English Mastiff Puppy Biting Everything?
Crate Training Your English Mastiff Puppy
The Complete English Mastiff Puppy Timeline
Final Thoughts
Teething is a normal, predictable, and temporary stage of development. While it can be challenging for owners, it is also an important part of physical and behavioral growth.
With structure, patience, and appropriate redirection, English Mastiff puppies learn what is acceptable to chew and develop healthy habits that carry into adulthood.
At Mastiff Kennel of America, we view this stage as an opportunity to build communication, trust, and boundaries—not as a behavior problem to eliminate, but as a developmental phase to guide.
