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Jumpy/ Mouthy Dogs

Jumpy/mouthy dogs jump up roughly and/or mouth or bite people, clothing, or objects like leashes when excited or frustrated.

WHAT IS JUMPY/MOUTHY BEHAVIOR?

Jumpy/mouthy dogs are often social dogs who jump up and/or grab people’s bodies or clothing with their mouths when frustrated or excited. They may also bite and tug carried objects like leashes or harnesses. If not addressed, these behaviors can become severe enough to cause injury.

WHY DO THEY DO IT?

A dog may be jumpy/mouthy for several reasons, including:

  • He’s young and untrained

  • He’s excited or anxious in new surroundings

  • People have previously reinforced the behavior by giving him attention when he does it

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Ignoring the dog, or turning or walking away, are not always enough on their own to decrease jumpy/mouthy behavior.

HOW TO FIX IT

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1

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Set up the environment to prevent or reduce the problem behavior. This includes changing how you leash or harness a jumpy/mouthy dog, and how you behave around them.

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If changing your handling practices isn’t enough, you’ll find training plans here designed just for jumpy/mouthy dogs. 

Jumpy/mouthy behaviors can be worse in the shelter environment.  If the dog is in a shelter,

sometimes the best management strategy is to get the dog into a foster home.

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