Mouthing, Nipping and Play Biting in Adult Dogs
Nipping and mouthing can be annoying and even frightening when done by an adult dog. If your pet has gotten into this habit, it's not being a bad dog, it's just acting on normal canine instincts. These are typical pack behaviors that dogs exhibit, but that doesn't mean they're acceptable. Grown dogs who nip or play bite simply haven't been taught the right way to behave, and don't know any better. At Cambie Animal Hospital, we've helped many pet owners with this problem. Changing your pet's behavior isn't difficult, but it does take time and patience.
Playing or Aggression?
While most dogs who mouth or play bite are exhibiting normal canine behavior, sometimes it's due to frustration or fear, which can mean aggression problems. It can be hard to tell the difference sometimes, so it's important to look for clues in your dog's body language. If your pet is playing, its face and body will look relaxed, with no tension in the muscles of its face.
If your dog's exhibiting serious, aggressive biting, its body will be stiff and it will pull back its muzzle and expose its teeth. Serious bites are quicker and more painful than those given in play, as well. If your pet is exhibiting aggressive behavior, don't try to correct its behavior on your own. Find a certified professional dog trainer or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. Ask about these professionals' experience in dealing with aggressive dogs.
Getting Rid of Nipping and Mouthing
If your dog's behavior is of a more benign kind, act right away to begin changing its behavior. Most dogs simply aren't aware of how sensitive human skin is. When your dog begins to nip, let out a sharp scream, but don't pull away your hand. This should startle your dog and make him stop. If this doesn't work, give your dog a short time-out during which you completely ignore it. When you allow your pet to interact with you again, use the same corrective behaviors every time. The key to changing your dog's habits is being consistent and giving it the same reactions every single time. This repetition will reinforce the right behavior while sending a signal that the wrong behavior won't be tolerated.
After this training begins to work, you can teach your dog to keep its mouth completely away from people.
- When your dog starts to gnaw on toes or fingers, substitute a chew bone.
- Encourage other forms of play and interaction, such as playing fetch, tug-of-war, or wrestling
- Continue using the time-out every time you feel your dog's teeth on your skin. Dog's live for attention, so being ignored is a severe punishment for them