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mamma6 · 03-16-2013, 08:30 AM

How do I discourage mouthing by my 8 year old GS?

We have had him a couple of weeks now and I think he is feeling more a part of the family.

When you pet him, he starts wagging his tail, pushing his head against your arm or side, etc......but then he starts mouthing your arm, hand, whatever is close. He likes to tug at your sleeve, pant legs, etc. It seems like an affectionate thing. Or is it b/c he's happy and gets overexcited?

My older kids don't mind it....I wouldn't either....it doesn't hurt and I know he's just playing. But we have always tried to discourage him by saying, "NO!. Leave it" because I have a four and six year old who with giggle or squeal and that really gets him going. And he doesn't listen to their "leave it." Then he gets more excited and they start freaking and run away. If I'm close by, it's never an issue b/c I just tell him "No" and can get him to stop. They can't.

Is it b/c they are so little he won't listen to them. Does he just need more training to know not to do this and then he might? Or do dogs never respect very young kids like that, as far as commands? They can get him to sit, stay, go down, etc. with a treat.......but this, I think he just is too excited.

He's not hurting them at all, but I want to discourage this habit, b/c it does get to be too much for them at times.

Dee

03-16-2013, 08:30 AM	#1 (permalink)
mamma6 Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 82	mouthing How do I discourage mouthing by my 8 year old GS? We have had him a couple of weeks now and I think he is feeling more a part of the family. When you pet him, he starts wagging his tail, pushing his head against your arm or side, etc......but then he starts mouthing your arm, hand, whatever is close. He likes to tug at your sleeve, pant legs, etc. It seems like an affectionate thing. Or is it b/c he's happy and gets overexcited? My older kids don't mind it....I wouldn't either....it doesn't hurt and I know he's just playing. But we have always tried to discourage him by saying, "NO!. Leave it" because I have a four and six year old who with giggle or squeal and that really gets him going. And he doesn't listen to their "leave it." Then he gets more excited and they start freaking and run away. If I'm close by, it's never an issue b/c I just tell him "No" and can get him to stop. They can't. Is it b/c they are so little he won't listen to them. Does he just need more training to know not to do this and then he might? Or do dogs never respect very young kids like that, as far as commands? They can get him to sit, stay, go down, etc. with a treat.......but this, I think he just is too excited. He's not hurting them at all, but I want to discourage this habit, b/c it does get to be too much for them at times. Dee