TinaK
Posted : 1/18/2007 4:08:43 PM
I tried Bitter Apple on my dog to stop mouthing, and that didn't do much either. He just learned to run away as soon as I'd reach over to grab a bottle. That's not good. And, when the taste wore off, he was back being a 'lil monster. So, forget about Bitter Apple-you don't want to rely on a foreign object to keep him from mouthing you.
The little growls that he makes while running are probably playful growls. Does he get down in a play bow with his front paws bended lower than the rest of his body? Sounds like he is inviting you to play with him, the doggy way, which is too rough for us. You dog has to learn that it's not appropriate to bare teeth into humans. Suggestions above sound good. Redirect him to what he is allowed to play with (chew and shake). Don't do alpha rolls, only a hand full of professionals can successfully do it at a right time with the right dog.
I found a good solution when you need to exercise your dog and it's too cold to take him out for a long walk - a laser pen. My dog loves to chase it. (You just need to be careful not to point the laser, or laser reflection on his face.) I use it when my dog is full of beans.