It is common amongst new puppy owners that experience dogs’ mouths on body parts to jump to the extreme of stating their dog is biting them. However, in most cases, this is not a true Bite but in fact mouthing. The Difference between Dog Biting and Mouthing is that biting is when they break the skin, whereas mouthing is simply them putting their mouth on your body part, sometimes with a good amount of pressure. This is where age and temperament come into play and contacting a trainer if you are unsure.
It is also important to know that puppies are capable of causing damage and hurt to you. They may be in an innocent state but if not developed right aggression can be seen in them. If this is the case please contact me or an aggression trainer who can best assist you in this situation.
Bite Inhibition
Puppies and some young dogs go through something called bite inhibition which is the dog’s ability to control the force of their mouth. You as the owner have the responsibility to teach your dog how to control their jaw/mouth pressure when coming in contact with your skin. Once this is taught it is clear to see the difference between biting and mouthing when it comes to your dog. We can teach this in a few ways:
- High pitch Yelp when they mouth to hard- puppies do this with one another to tell them it hurts and to stop. Typically this works but in some cases it does not.
- Freeze when they are mouthing and wait for them to disengage – a moving body part could be mistaken as a toy and if you rip it away you expose yourself to potentially a worse wound than if you just freeze and wait for them to disengage.
If you are having some mouthing issues with your dog, make sure to contact me today to set up a stop-by session to help address your issues!
Dog bites are 100% preventable. The thought of a dog biting can cause a very uneasy feeling, however, most dog bite cases are easily preventable in most cases. Each case is unique and will have different variables and signs that led to the bite. Let’s explore the reasons behind Dog Bites and learn to prevent them.
Why do dogs bite?
Dogs who bite do so based on a reaction to something. This reaction can vary from fear-based, anxiety-based, resource guarding, and more. When trainers come in after a bite has happened we need to know as many details as possible. Some of which you as an owner may not have observed or know to look for. If we take them in for board and trains we need to evoke this response again (with muzzle and safety precautions) to determine the best course of action moving forward.
What can you do to prevent a bite?
Proper socialization
Responsible pet ownership – right temperament, training, exposure, exercising, and spay/neutering
Education on how to interact with a dog
Avoid risky situations
What if I get bit?
Go to the ground into a ball (arms overhead) and wait until someone gets them off or they stop.
What NOT to do if a dog is going to attack
– Scream
-Fast/ Sudden movements
-Eye contact
-Run Away
What to DO if a dog is going to attack
-Turn sideways
-Fold arms
-Look away
-Be still
-Dog loses interest to walk away calmly
Remember the key difference between Dog Biting and Mouthing is that biting is when they break the skin, whereas mouthing is simply them putting their mouth on your body part.
Once an aggressive dog, always an aggressive dog, those are just the facts. You need to always stay alert around them and use muzzles and other safety tools where and when needed. They are totally manageable and can live very fulfilling lives with the correct owners and boundaries are set.
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