MOUTHING, Part 2#/Title#
Mouthing is normal behavior for a puppy. However, some puppy owners worry that, instead of having a mouthing issue, they really have an aggression issue. How can you tell the difference? Here are some signs that you may be deal
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MOUTHING, Part 2#/Title#
Mouthing is normal behavior for a puppy. However, some puppy owners worry that, instead of having a mouthing issue, they really have an aggression issue. How can you tell the difference? Here are some signs that you may be dealing with something more serious than normal puppy mouthing.
If your puppy growls, snaps, or bites you when you reach for her food bowl.
If your puppy growls, snaps, or bites you when you try to take a toy away from her. This also may occur only with toys that your puppy finds to be of high value. For example, she may willingly give up a tennis ball but growl when you try to take away a pig's ear or rawhide chew.
If your puppy growls, snaps, or bites you when you try to get her off the furniture.
If your puppy growls, snaps, or bites you when you try to pick her up.
If your puppy does any of these things, seek the assistance of a professional dog trainer or applied animal behaviorist. This behavior will not get better on its own; in fact, it could get much worse.
What if your puppy starts biting at your pants leg or jumping up on you
while you're ignoring her? Some puppies may get frustrated when you ignore them, so they try to engage your attention the only way that they know how: by pestering you. Perhaps this has worked for them in the past. Maybe they kept jumping and clawing and nipping until they finally got a reaction. It's important not to reward this behavior. Remember, any attention can be interpreted as good attention by a puppy! You shouldn't have to get hurt, however. If your puppy is so frantic that she practically attacks you if you ignore her, leave the room if necessary. Don't leave her for long, because she shouldn't be unattended. Return in 10 to 15 seconds and try again. You also can give her a quick timeout in her crate. Be sure that this puppy is getting plenty of exercise for her breed and age. Puppies who aren't getting their daily exercise requirements can sometimes act this way. If the problem persists, call a professional reward-based dog trainer to observe and assist you.
What Not to Do
You may be tempted to use physical punishment with your puppy if she mouths you. This can backfire. Because your puppy is most likely trying to play with you, she's liable to think that you've figured out the game if you get physical with her. She'll come back at you harder. You also might teach her to only keep her teeth off the loudest or strongest person in the house. You don't want her to mouth anyone in your household. If your puppy mouths you:
Don't yell at her.
Don't "pop" her under the chin or grab her by the scruff.
Don't grab her tongue or stick your fingers down her throat.
Don't spank her.
Don't flip her upside down (the old-fashioned "alpha roll"). All these things could make the problem worse.
If you have a problem with plumbing, you call a plumber. If you have a problem with your car, you call a mechanic. Don't hesitate to call a professional dog trainer if you think you need help. How do you know it's time?
Before you reach the end of your rope. If you're getting increasingly frustrated with your puppy's behavior, get help before you reach a boiling point. If you wait too long, you won't be willing to put forth the effort it will take to fix her behavior because you'll be too frustrated. Be proactive.
If your puppy is shy or fearful. These puppies need extra help so that their shyness does not become worse.
If your puppy is aggressive. These puppies also need extra help before they grow bigger and cause more damage. Aggressive dogs are also a tremendous liability. If your puppy is growling, snapping, or biting, the problem will not go away by itself. Get help now.
Before choosing a trainer, do your research. You can contact the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) at www.apdt.com or the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) at www.ccpdt.org for trainers in your area. Interview the trainer carefully and ask for references. Make sure that she uses modern, science-based training methods and will not cause harm to your puppy with harsh techniques or tools.
If your puppy has a severe issue, such as fearfulness or aggression, your veterinarian may refer you to a certified applied animal behaviorist. These are specialists with specific education in animal behavior, certified by the Animal Behavior Society (ABS). You'll find more information at www.animalbehavior.org.
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