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  • Julitza
    • Gold Top Dog

    Mouthing?

    Julitza

    Posted : 6/21/2006 9:26:28 PM

    Im not sure how to title this post, but Lizzie is mouthing me so I guess thats a fair enough title.
     
    Well as many of you know I have a 4 1/2 month old female Collie. Well she has always sort of 'nipped?' at my hand.
     
    Picture this: a dog biting an itchy spot, that sort of quick, painless nipping. Well she does this to my hand and my fathers pit also did this to me when I scratched her. What does this me?
     
    To be honest I like it [:-] BUT I will train her to stop if it is a dominance behavior or if it is a behavior that will get her to act up in the future. PLease let me know [:)]
  • jones
    • Gold Top Dog
    jones

    Posted : 6/21/2006 9:31:42 PM

    I think that's what most people call "flea biting." I'd guess she's trying to groom you, which is a social bonding behavior, nothing to do with dominance as far as I know.
  • jennie_c_d
    • Gold Top Dog
    jennie_c_d

    Posted : 6/21/2006 9:33:10 PM

    Well, the subordinates groom the alpha, LOL. I dunno. It's never bothered me when dogs "flea" me. I think it's cute!
  • anne
    • Gold Top Dog
    anne

    Posted : 6/21/2006 9:41:28 PM

    I seem to remember you saying you had a small child. I personally won't tolerate mouthing, it is known to be a habit in some breeds (not sure about collies but I know pits are "mouthy" as are GSD's (my pup is really mouthy). Hopefully someone can help you correct this problem, as I would like to learn how to correct it myself. I just tell Nico "no" in a stern voice and pull my hand out of his mouth.

    He is just a puppy, as is your dog, and personally as I said I wont tolerate it and I especially wouldnt tolerate it if you have a young child. It can turn into a very bad habit. Some of the pits at the pit rescue I volunteer at are very mouthy and it is a problem since they are large (as your Collie will be). I would definantly not encourage mouthing, it is cute when they are a puppy but when they get older it stops being so cute. (Again especially when a human baby is involved). JMO
  • Julitza
    • Gold Top Dog
    Julitza

    Posted : 6/21/2006 9:58:34 PM

    I think that's what most people call "flea biting." I'd guess she's trying to groom you, which is a social bonding behavior, nothing to do with dominance as far as I know.

     
    Well thanks Lizzie! lol, I have always loved it, its kind of relaxing if you dont mind a bit of dog slobber!
     
    But if it can turn into a problem with the baby then that is a big no-no