Body Parts are not Toys

[This was originally posted to the Fairmount Animal Hospital website on 22 December 2008.]

Dear Dr. Lee,

My 5 month-old Bearded Collie, Lillith, keeps grabbing my hand with her teeth. She does not bite down, but it is annoying. She does it when we are playing, and even if I’m just taking her for a walk, she’ll leap up and grab it. Thank goodness she does not have many puppy teeth left. An even bigger problem is that she is now doing this with my guests. I am embarrassed and a little afraid someone might sue me, thinking she bit someone aggressively. What can I do?

Sincerely,
Mouthed in Manlius


Dear Mouthed,

Mouthing is a common behavior exhibited by puppies, particularly those who are exploring their world through their mouths or teething. It is, however, not an acceptable behavior when it is applied to any human body part. Potential consequences can range from mere annoyance, to fear, anger, a potential lawsuit and loss of homeowner’s insurance.

When a new dog enters your house, you should immediately make it a rule that no canine teeth touch human skin. Any touch of teeth to skin can be construed as a bite. Most dogs mouth humans because they want to either initiate play or escalate the level of play. To teach the new rule, consider the following recommendations:

• Do not offer your body parts for your dog to mouth, even if it is just to keep him out of trouble. If you have a puppy who is going through the oral stage, offer an acceptable alternative for him to chew (a toy).
• If you see your dog leaping at you to grab your hand, tuck your hands under your armpits and withdraw attention until your dog can ask for your attention in a more acceptable manner.
• If your dog sneaks up on you and puts his teeth on you, yip (as if you were a hurt puppy), act like the teeth burned you, and shun the dog for 30 seconds (no looking, speaking to, or touching). In this manner, you let the dog know that he hurt you, and you fail to give him what he really wanted (start of or more intense play).
• If your dog chooses to interact with you with a toy instead of mouthing you, be sure to reward that – it is a behavior we DO want.

Sincerely,
Dr. Lee