Do You Think 'Hand Holding' Is Appropriate?

[Gharrissc]

I wanted some opinions on whether you think a dog 'hand holding' with their mouth is appropriate? My oldest dog hand holds when she gets excited,but only does it with me. Some trainers have said this isn't appropriate because it can lead to biting,but I haven't had problems with it, as she isn't applying pressure and she only does it when she is really excited,usually during training.

[Elaine]

If it doesn't bother you and it's not progressing and it's not interfering with training, I'd leave it alone. Don't fix what isn't broken.

[Zeeva]

I don't think it's appropriate :c Not that I think it'll lead to biting...Zeeva used to do this as a puppy and it never lead to anything more...but I do believe that if she thinks it's appropriate, she may do it to someone else, and this might frighten them...

[shepherdmom]

I have a double standard. LOL I would absolutely not allow it from one of my Shepherds. I do have a little border collie mix that mouths us from time to time. He was a shelter dog and for some reason crawling into our laps and holding our arms seems to calm him down. He is so very gentle and submissive we let him get away with it.

[Gharrissc]

I have a Cattle Dog and is the same way. I've seen this more in Cattle Dogs and BC's.

Originally Posted by shepherdmom

I do have a little border collie mix that mouths us from time to time.

[Blanketback]

I actually encourage it, lol. But that goes with my own personal beliefs of training a soft bite in the mouthing stage. It's an intimate gesture, so nobody else ever gets that kind of attention from my dogs.

[RocketDog]

I tend to agree with Elaine. Dogs are individuals, and as such they may have little quirks that express who they are. IF it's not leading to anything else, IF it doesn't bother you, IF it's clear it's a "quirk" or something clearly related to affection or done ONLY to you, I'd leave it. To me I enjoy that bit of individuality--and when I finally lose each dog, I have a fond memory of it.

My pup has always had a habit of holding a pillow in his mouth--he only likes one particular pillow. After my DH kept fighting him with it, I finally pointed out that we have 9 pillows in the two rooms, and he only likes the one. (Plus it's an ugly one anyway). He doesn't chew it, he doesn't ruin it. He holds it, much like a child, when he wants to soothe himself. I said, "Let him have it". He finally agreed, and it amuses me when I see him walk over to the couch and gently take it in his mouth and lie down.

Now I just have to remember to tell guests that it's Rocket's pillow.