Managing Mouthy Behavior in Adolescent Dogs: Moving Beyond Puppy Biting

Has your dog's mouthy behavior continue past the puppy stage, leaving you wondering how to handle it during their adolescent phase? If nipping, chewing, or mouthing are still part of your dog's repertoire, you're not alone. At Pat's Pack Dog Training, we're here to guide you through managing mouthy behavior that lingers into adolescence, providing effective strategies to ensure a harmonious relationship with your growing canine companion.

Adolescence is a pivotal developmental stage where dogs undergo significant behavioral changes. Some dogs might carry forward their mouthy behavior as they explore the world and adapt to their changing bodies. Here are a few tips to help if this is something you are currently experiencing.

1. Redefine Playtime: Reevaluate your playtime activities. Focus on games that encourage appropriate mouth interaction, like fetch or interactive toys.

2. Prioritize Regular Exercise: Ensuring your dog gets ample physical exercise can significantly reduce excessive mouthing due to pent-up energy.

3. Continuously Train Bite Inhibition: Continue reinforcing bite inhibition, which teaches your dog to control the force of their bite. Employ positive reinforcement to reward gentle play.

4. Introduce Suitable Chew Toys: Offer a diverse array of chew toys. Redirecting your dog's natural inclination to chew onto appropriate items is vital.

5. Teach "Leave It" and "Drop It": Incorporate commands like "leave it" and "drop it" for effective control over mouthy behavior. These cues redirect their focus to more acceptable activities.

6. Maintain Consistent Training: Consistency in training is key. Ensure that everyone in your household employs the same commands and techniques to avoid confusing your dog.

7. Utilize the Time-Out Technique: Should your dog become excessively mouthy, calmly disengage or guide them to a designated time-out area. This teaches them that relentless nipping results in loss of attention.

8. Seek Professional Guidance: If the behavior persists or escalates, seeking help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist is a proactive step (hey, that’s what we do here at Pat’s Pack! Contact us here for more info)

9. Emphasize Socialization: Ongoing socialization with other dogs and people can help reduce mouthy behavior rooted in anxiety or overexcitement.

10. Practice Patience and Positive Reinforcement: Exercise patience and consistently reward and praise your dog for exhibiting desirable behavior. Positive reinforcement strengthens their inclination to repeat favorable actions.

Keep in mind that adolescence is a transient phase, and with steadfast training and expert guidance, your dog's mouthy behavior can be effectively managed. While a degree of mouthing might be natural, redirecting it onto appropriate outlets fosters a positive environment for both your dog and your household.

Happy Dog Training!