![]() Avoid any roughhousing with your dog, especially games that involve pushing and shoving.The treats should ideally be tossed prior to them jumping up and mouthing so they do not see the treats as a reward for jumping/mouthing. Keep treats near the front door and around the house so that you are able to toss them on the ground to redirect your dog when they become too excited.When you return home after an absence, plan for a game of fetch or other physical activity that will burn off some of their energy before trying to pet them.Keep your dog on a leash, tethered to a sturdy piece of furniture in the room or behind a barrier (i.e., baby gate) to prevent mouthing during common problem times, such as when visitors arrive or when the environment becomes too exciting or stressful for your dog.Make sure that you and your guests are aware of and participating in the following practices during every interaction with your dog: Management is especially important when children or less mobile individuals are involved. People coming and going in the home can be very exciting and may trigger mouthing. Inadequate mental stimulation – if a dog is bored, they may discover that they can get your attention and engage you in play by using their mouths (even if your reaction is not positive).Įveryone who interacts with your dog should consistently follow all management rules.Inadequate physical exercise – dogs who have excess energy may inappropriately use their mouths in play.The dog has been positively reinforced for this behavior, even unintentionally, by getting rewarded with play time, your attention, or another outcome they find desirable.This can result from not having siblings to let them know they are biting too hard and, in turn, they do not develop appropriate bite inhibition. Puppies without littermates and/or puppies who have been removed from their litter too early (before 8 weeks) may be more prone to mouthing as they mature.These methods risk damaging your relationship with your dog and can result in escalation of the current behavior or even additional behavior problems. WHS does not recommend or support aversive techniques such as holding a dog’s mouth closed, rolling a dog on their back and holding them down (alpha roll), yelling, hitting, or any other physical punishment. Some of the techniques below may escalate a dog’s reaction since these behaviors are typically exhibited toward anyone who tries to passively or actively exert control. Instead, this is a way of attempting to control their environment and you should stop what you are doing and contact a certified, force-free, professional trainer for additional support. When a dog has a stiff body and chooses to jump up and mouth in a way that begins to control your movements and limits your ability to move away, this is not a social play behavior. PLEASE NOTE: While the majority of dogs mouth in a social, attention-seeking manner with loose, wiggly bodies, some will do so in a more intense manner. It is not desirable for a dog to put their mouth on people’s skin, clothes, or shoes, but fortunately, there are several things you can do to modify and manage this behavior. The amount of pressure a dog mouths with varies and - if not addressed - may become severe enough to cause injury. These dogs typically jump up and grab people’s clothing or limbs with their mouths when they are feeling frustrated, excited, or seeking attention. Mouthing and Play Biting (6 months and older)Īdolescent and adult dogs who exhibit mouthy behavior tend to also be social, energetic, playful, and outgoing.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |