Mouthy
He is just about three years old with little social grace. DH calls him Shrek, the kind hearted, well meaning Ogre. I'm bruised in several places on my thigh where he has greeted me with "flea bites". If he wants attention he has no issue with putting a human body part in his mouth, not for intentional damage, but he is a big boy with big teeth. He's great until the potential for play comes up, which Ms. Margie seems hell bent on inciting even though he chews on her like a rag doll. Once Margie gets him rolling he's like an over stimulated toddler. I walk around with Nylabones, rawhide bones, and stuffed toys in my pockets so when he approaches I can stuff something in his mouth instead of me. It has helped, a bit. Now if he's excited he will come up to my thigh and push on me with a big stuffed duck in his mouth. But he still chews on Marge like a bone. I'm thinking soft muzzle for playtime. Suggestions please. |
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| Has Margie "voiced" a concern? I'm assuming Margie is a dog. I let them decide what is appropriate as far as play. "Shrek" has to learn mouthing uprights is not permitted. |
| panda, my sheepdog, is 7 and still is mouthy and does the same thing with her squeeky toys. she runs up to me with her toy in her mouth and bangs into my leg, squeeking and growling.. i have had more than one love bite...when panda gets over excited and comes at me (usually in the park), i just turn my body and bring my knee up....it seems to keep me somewhat bruise free......... |
This reminds me so much of Max, a foster we had several years ago. I was black and blue from his nips and also jumping up and body slamming me  .Our trainer suggested that we should always step towards him (effectively "herding" him) when ever he did these behaviors. The worst (and most instinctual for us) thing to do was to back or pull away. It really worked  .The other thing I did with Max that helped was to keep a brush and scissors handy at all times...he was VERY badly matted, and hated being groomed, so I just killed two birds with one stone and discouraged his mouthing by trimming and brushing him whenever he did it!  |
ravenmoonart wrote: The other thing I did with Max that helped was to keep a brush and scissors handy at all times...he was VERY badly matted, and hated being groomed, so I just killed two birds with one stone and discouraged his mouthing by trimming and brushing him whenever he did it! love! the idea!!!! |
| Day 9 and bruises are healing. Our Old English Alligator foster is starting to get the idea. I know that he will always lead with his mouth, especially when he is anxious, but he can be trained in a new home. What I can't change is he will always be a huge, lopping, goofball. He's a challenge but the rewards for spending the time will be wonderful. |
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