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.:: My dog is mouthy/nippy ::. Puppies See “Surviving puppy-hood” Adult Dogs Does your dog often put his mouth on you (your hands, your arm, your feet, etc) or nip at you? While this may seem like playful behavior, in dog language it is an attempt at dominance. Additionally, it is probably painful for you. To avoid the development of other dominant behavior challenges, it’s important to put this behavior to a stop. Discourage this behavior 1. Stop play or affection immediately and let out a “yelp” as if you have been gravely wounded. Do not in anyway acknowledge your dog. If you have to leave the room to give your dog an opportunity to settle down, do so. 2. Replace your hand with an appropriate chew toy or rawhide. Say “no biting”, remove your hand/foot/arm and give the dog an chew toy. Say “good dog” when she takes the toy into her mouth. 3. If your hands are most often the target, put on gloves sprayed with something foul tasting like “Bitter Apple”. Otherwise you can try a well-timed squirt from a water bottle or bottle of “Bitter Apple”. Set boundaries Since this is a sign of dominance it is important to set boundaries in the dog’s daily life. You want your dog to understand that you are in charge. Here are some things you can do to establish that you are the pack leader: 1. Always go through doorways first. Make your dog wait. 2. Do not let her onto the couch or bed. These are places reserved for the pack leader. 3. Greet other dogs and people first, showing your approval. Do not let your dog greet first and determine your reaction based on his. 4. Do not play tug-of-war. Whenever the dog wins, he is establishing his dominance over you. 5. Do not let your dog stand over you and do not place yourself physically lower than your dog. 6. Do not let your dog stare you in the eye. Don’t break your gaze, but distract her from hers with a toy or a command. 7. Teach your dog that nothing is free. From feeding to putting on a leash, you should make your dog perform a command. Even making him sit will do. This shows you control every situation. If your dog continues to exhibit this behavior or other dominance behaviors, seek professional help from an animal behaviorist. Dominance can be a serious issue when it develops into aggression. |
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