Very Mouthy. Help!

[dogluver]

My 18 month old girl greats everything and everybody with her mouth wide open. As a result, we are constantly hitting our hand on her teeth which causes major bruising.

The other problem is her open mouth is scary to those who are trying to pet her. She is not biting or even attempting to bite, just all smiles and teeth.

Using a toy to occupy her mouth does not work. She is not toy driven at all.

Any suggestions? She isn't all hyped up either. Just her way.

[Siese]

I'm interested in the response for this, as Dagger is the same way. She doesn't bite down, just puts her mouth around your arm when you reach out to try and pet her.

I make her sit when she's wanting attention and say "No bite" every time she turns her head toward my hand when I reach to pet her. It means delaying the petting, but after a couple of times she'll stop and sit nicely so I can scratch all her favorite places. And when she puts her mouth on me, I stop petting her and say "No." The problem with her is, it isn't having a long-term effect. She still doesn't realize that "mouthing" means "no petting". But I don't really know what else to do.

[squeakermama]

I really feel that this is a demanding behavior more than anything else but it needs to be controlled since it's attention getting with her mouth. Not good. I highly suggest using a nose halter. They are get at keeping control of the dogs mouth and direction. Most dogs do well with them but do have an adjusting period of getting use to of the feeling of having them on. I would at first allow her to wear it and just gently walk her around to get used to of it. Then I would use it with a lead while she is around anybody. If she gets mouthy just simply turn her head away gently. Allowing her to do this will only make the habit run deeper. I would only allow her to be around people with you have control of her and this behavior until she tires of trying and losses interest in doing it. In time if you are consistent I think she will stop.