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Biting vs. Mouthing: How to Tell the Difference and Train Your Dog Respectively
Most mouthing is a normal canine behaviour. This common behaviour is particularly prevalent among puppies and often continues into adulthood. Many dogs engage in mouthing without the intention to hurt or cause pain. You may have noticed your dog displaying this behaviour during play, physical activities, or when overly excited. But when does mouthing become undesirable and concerning? Is this behaviour normal for adult dogs?
Understanding the difference between playful mouthing and aggressive biting is vital for maintaining a harmonious relationship with your furry friend and is essential for your pet's health and well-being.
Mouthing is Normal in Puppies
Mouthing is commonly exhibited by puppies and young dogs. It’s an innate behaviour that allows them to explore and interact with their surroundings. Puppies use their mouths to engage in social play with their littermates and human family members. Generally, mouthing is gentle and playful and shouldn’t cause harm or discomfort.
Animal behaviourists believe that mouthing plays a significant role in a dog’s development. This behaviour helps them develop their senses and build social bonds. Playing with littermates and interacting with humans also teaches puppies about bite inhibition and how to control the strength of their bite.
When Mouthing Becomes a Problem
If left unchecked, mouthing can develop into an undesirable behaviour as the puppy matures. Excessive mouthing can become an issue during play, as the puppy’s nips may become painful and irritating. Some dogs may also use mouthing to get your attention when they’re bored or lonely. Teething puppies often mouth more frequently due to the discomfort they’re experiencing. Additionally, mouthing can be a red flag indicating fear or anxiety, particularly in poorly socialised dogs or those that haven’t been properly trained.
Managing Mouthing with Positive Reinforcement
While mouthing is a normal behaviour in dogs, pet owners should learn to manage it appropriately to prevent it from escalating into more serious and aggressive nipping and biting.
Tips for Managing Mouthing
- Redirect your puppy’s chewing instincts by offering plenty of appropriate chew toys.
- Establish clear boundaries by letting your puppy know when their behaviour is unacceptable. Use a firm "no" or a loud "ouch" so your pet understands you’re not happy with their behaviour.
- Quickly reward your puppy’s good behaviour with their favourite treats, belly rubs, praise, and other forms of positive reinforcement.
- Ignore mild mouthing; some dogs may lose interest if they see they cannot get their owner's attention.
- Avoid punishing your puppy for mouthing, as this can trigger fear and aggression.
- If your pup’s mouthing becomes too intense, consider a short timeout in a separate room, or if you're sitting, stand and turn your back on your pet.
- Maintain a calm approach to training; remember that consistency is key.
- Socialisation is very important. Exposing your pup to various environments, people, and animals can help them develop appropriate social skills.
Aggressive Biting: A Serious Concern
Pet owners should be concerned when their dogs engage in aggressive biting. This behaviour can inflict pain and injury and pose a danger to humans and other animals. Aggressive biting is often fuelled by fear, frustration, or anxiety.
Recognising the signs of aggressive biting enables dog owners to take necessary steps to address the problem before it escalates into more serious behavioural issues. Unlike mouthing, a dog engaged in aggressive biting may display aggressive behaviours, such as snarling or growling, accompanied by threatening body language.
Potential Causes of Aggressive Biting
Several factors can trigger aggressive biting behaviour in dogs:
- Pain: A dog in pain may become aggressive or irritable when approached or handled.
- Fear and Anxiety: A fearful dog may bite when feeling threatened.
- History: Past negative experiences may fuel aggressive biting.
- Territorial Behaviour: While territoriality is a normal canine behaviour, some dogs are more protective of their territory, leading to aggressive behaviour when they feel threatened.
- Resource Guarding: A dog may bite when they become overly possessive of objects, humans, or attention.
- Medical Issues: Certain medical conditions can cause behavioural changes in dogs.
Some breeds may be more prone to biting behaviour due to their genetics and temperament. For example, guard dog breeds like Rottweilers and German Shepherds may become territorial and aggressive without proper training and socialisation. Terriers and other breeds with high prey drives may exhibit biting behaviour when chasing smaller animals. Herding breeds, like Australian Shepherds and Border Collies, have a strong instinct to herd and control, which can sometimes manifest as nipping or herding of other animals and humans. High-energy breeds like Siberian Huskies require ample physical and mental stimulation; without it, they can become bored and frustrated, leading to destructive behaviours, including biting.
Seeking Professional Help for Your Dog
If you notice red flags indicating that your dog’s biting has become seriously aggressive, it’s essential to seek professional help from a veterinarian, certified animal behaviourist, or qualified dog trainer. These professionals have the education, experience, and training to assess the underlying causes of your dog’s behaviour and develop a customised training plan. They can provide expert guidance and techniques to address the root cause of the issue.
Correction may include behaviour modification techniques using positive reinforcement, avoiding punishment, providing adequate mental and physical stimulation, medication for managing anxiety or aggression, and creating a safe, structured environment where your dog feels confident and secure.
Identifying early signs of aggressive biting and seeking professional help promptly can ensure early intervention, which is crucial in preventing future incidents and improving your pet’s overall health and well-being.
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Mouthing Versus Biting
| Physical Characteristics | Mouthing | Aggressive Biting |
|---|---|---|
| Intensity | Typically gentle | Forceful |
| Body Language | Relaxed posture, tail wagging playfully, soft eyes | Stiff posture, raised hackles, stiff tail, intense stare |
| Context of the Behaviour | Often during play or when seeking attention | When a dog feels threatened, is in pain, or is resource-guarding |
