How To Discourage Your Adult Canine From Mouthing

Article Written By: Michael B Radar

Dogs use their mouths to learn about their world. This begins from the moment they are born, and continues throughout their lives. The problem is, over time, the behavior can evolve into an expression of aggressiveness. While a puppy rarely uses his mouth aggressively, an adult dog does so naturally, often without his owner realizing it. It is important to curb the behavior before this occurs.

We'll take a closer look at the issue of canine mouthing and nipping below. We'll explain how the habit develops during the puppy stages, and when you should take steps to discourage it. We'll also provide a few suggestions for accomplishing the latter.

Mouthing and nipping evolve as a result of training from their mothers, and socialization among their littermates. As a puppy reaches four or five weeks, his mother will have already taken steps to wean him off nursing. Meanwhile, as he plays with his littermates, he learns how far he can mouth and nip without crossing a line. If he/she hurts one of his littermates by nipping him too aggressively, the littermate will provide feedback. He does so by yelping and immediately stopping play. This helps the offending pup to understand that his mouth can cause pain to others, an important step toward learning how to get along.

Many puppies are adopted near their eighth week. They are separated from their mothers and littermates, which severs this channel of feedback and socialization. If a pup's new owner diligently continues socialization training, the animal's habit of mouthing and nipping will remain easily controlled. Unfortunately, many owners neglect to spend the time. They ignore the behavior, allowing it to grow more pronounced.

During the early stages of a pup's development, it is unnecessary to completely curb the habit of mouthing and nipping. In fact, many professional trainers suggest owners should allow a small amount of both. The reason is because puppies are still learning to identify boundaries. If they are forced to stop the habit at too early an age, they will lose the opportunity to do so based on feedback.

When your puppy's nipping becomes too frequent or painful due to his teeth, provide the feedback he needs. Do so in the same manner as his littermates. For example, if he bites your finger while playing, pull it away from him and exclaim, "Ow!" Stop play immediately. This reminds your pup that overly-zealous nipping can hurt people like it once hurt his littermates. The feedback mechanism is the same.

If you continue to do this, your puppy will eventually abandon the habit. By the time he becomes an adult dog, he'll avoid mouthing and nipping people or animals.

But what if you neglect to discourage the behavior until your pet is fully grown? By that point, he might constantly grab your hands and arms whenever he wants your attention. Even worse, he may attempt to do so whenever friends and family visit your home. This can be frustrating for everyone involved.

First, resist the temptation to punish your canine for the behavior. The reason he mouths and nips is because he has never learned that doing so is unacceptable. He is doing what comes naturally to him.

Second, make it clear that you control his resources (e.g. food, toys, etc.), and that he must work to earn them. This positions you as the leader. He is to comply with your wishes if he wants access to his valued resources.

Third, begin to use treats to reward your dog when he lets go of your hands and arms. If he grabs you with his mouth, stop immediately. Don't speak or stare; simply wait. Eventually, your canine will release you. Give him a treat when he does.

Training an adult dog to avoid mouthing and nipping requires patience. But unless you take the time to establish clear boundaries with your pet, he will lack the opportunity to learn them.

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