My puppy, Bernice has had a habit
of nibbling and teething on me ... whether
it be -- my fingers, my clothes, or ponytails. But, after a day
in Wags and Wiggles, she didn't do it at all for the very first time since we've got her 3 months ago!
Thank you for Bernice's new found manners... She was so behaved when we got home.
We also enjoy watching her play with her new friends on the internet!
-- Much love, Morgan
-- Ladera Ranch
CHEWING OR MOUTHING
CHEWING: Why, Why, Why? Mouthing, biting, and chewing are all natural dog behaviors! The mouth is dog's primary organ to explore their environment. They can't play monopoly so chewing and biting it is. It is our job to teach our dogs when it's appropriate and when it's not. Some dogs are teething, some chew out of ignorance, and some dogs have been trained by us to bite!
Teething: This can start as early as 3 months and continue until 10 months of age. Teething hurts and chewing relieves the pain. Try a frozen washcloth, sterilized bone, or kong. Spend some time playing with the object and your dog so it becomes desirable.
Ignorance: Teach your dog the rules. Interrupt inappropriate chewing with a loud noise. I use a loud hand clap because I always have my hands with me (grin). Immediately offer a more acceptable object to chew on. Does your dog return to the undesired object? Time to use a tie down or x-pen to eliminate their ability to reach the undesirable object. Of course, you should have puppy proofed your home by this point. Don't leave tempting objects lying around. Avoid using old socks, shoes, fabric or leather object as toys or pacifiers. This will only encourage stealing/destruction of new clothes. Use Bitter Apple, Listerine, or Eucalyptus Oil on objects they return to.
Trained to Bite: Many owners let young puppies play rough and bite their arms/hands. Then one day those puppy teeth become too sharp and the owners want it to stop. Don't teach your puppy bad habits! Teach them to tug on a toy or fetch instead. Reteach bite inhibition. When your puppy leaves the toy to grab your hand, yell "OUCH" very loudly. Offer your hand again and the dog will lick you. Praise and play! If play becomes too wild, hold the puppy tightly. When they calm down, release them to play again. Give it a word "Settle". You can also use a leash during play. When play gets rough, stand up and step on the leash. When they calm down, release to play again. Calm behavior gets rewarded with playing.
Have your dog play with other appropriate dogs as much as possible to learn bite inibition. There is nothing better than an older female dog to teach your puppy some manners. If your dog has a history of fighting or annoying other dogs, do a private private with a Wags & Wiggles behavior consultant before doing this on your own.
