We have a two year old terrier cross that we got as a rescue dog aged 5 months.
She's very excitable and affectionate and is desperate for attention from visitors. We've pretty much cracked stopping her jumping up as they arrive and she is settling down and often going to her bed quite quickly now but there is a new issue.
Once the visitor is seated she can seek attention by sitting next to them with her head on their lap or the seat next to them. If they put their hand out to her she has started mouthing on them. It is gentle with no pressure to close her jaws but it isn't OK for her to do that.
She isn't allowed to put her mouth on people in play. The response is always a sharp no and a withdrawal of the play and, if she ever forgets herself it only takes one reminder so she knows the rules.
Some visitors allow her to mouth on them despite me asking them not to. My response when I see it is to put her out of the room.
Is there anything else I can do or a better approach to dealing with this? I imagine it may involve rethinking altogether how she is allowed to interact with visitors.
I'm not at all worried that she will actually bite anyone, although you can never say never. It's just that this is unacceptable behaviour and needs to stop.
Please or to access all these features
Please
or
to access all these features
If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.
The doghouse
Mouthing on visitors
11 replies
Goldmandra · 28/12/2014 22:03
OP posts:
Please create an account
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.