When you play with your dog, let him mouth on your hands. Continue play until he bites especially hard. When he does, immediately give a high-pitched yelp, as if you're hurt, and let your hand go limp. This should startle your dog and cause him to stop mouthing you, at least momentarily.
Puppies and dogs should not be allowed to bite your hands or chew on them, even if it is just to play. Your dog should never be comfortable putting their teeth against your skin. This is a simple safety precaution for later in life and an essential part of “bite inhibition.”
If your dog is play biting, it's a sign of affection; it's gentle, he looks happy, and he might even be laying down. An aggressive dog, however, will growl, bark, or snarl, his body will be tense, and he'll show his teeth. Aggressive bites are often faster than a play bite, and the big difference is you'll feel it.
Some puppies (and breeds) are naturally mouthier than others, but all puppies should be taught not to bite or mouth people, and in general to be gentle with their mouth, also known as bite inhibition.
He's play-biting
“If your pet is play-biting (or pulling at you for attention), then he'll do it because he's having fun with you, and it's a sign of affection,” explains Dr. Nelson. “He will look happy, bite gently, and may even be lying down.” If you see these 11 behaviors, your dog might need obedience training.
An aggressive growl will be accompanied by snarling and snapping, while a playful growl is just a sound, accompanied by relaxed body movements (no tension).
Light biting or mouthing is a common way that dogs explore the world around them and is a behavior that dogs will engage in during play. While generally not very enjoyable for us, it is a natural part of how dogs play with each other, and of course how they engage with their toys.
Remember that this kind of biting is a component of play behavior in puppies. Play is a form of social interaction and your puppy is practicing his social and communication skills. Realize that your puppy is trying to play with you, even though the behavior is rough. Play motivated bites still hurt!
The most important thing to remember is that for the vast majority of puppies, mouthing or play biting is a phase that they will typically grow out of once they reach between three and five months of age.
If they start nibbling at your fingers or toes while you're playing, offer a toy instead. Again, if they continue to nip, stop the play session immediately. If you've been training your puppy to sit, you might also redirect them by asking them to sit and rewarding with a toy.
Adolescent and adult dogs who exhibit mouthy behavior tend to also be social, energetic, playful, and outgoing. These dogs typically jump up and grab people's clothing or limbs with their mouths when they are feeling frustrated, excited, or seeking attention.
As puppies, dogs are typically taught to control the force of their bites. The degree to which dogs learn not to use the full force of their mouths on people and other dogs is called “bite inhibition,” and it is the most important part of a dog's education.
Most of the time your dog is just looking to have a little bit of fun. It is not uncommon for dogs to see their owners as their own personal playthings. You have played with them since they were a puppy and they associate you with fun.
The instant you feel your dog's teeth touch you, give a high-pitched yelp. Then immediately walk away from him. Ignore him for 30 to 60 seconds. If your dog follows you or continues to bite and nip at you, leave the room for 30 to 60 seconds.
Mouthing and play biting is a common phase for most pups and I often reassure owners that their pet will almost always grow out of it when they're around three to five months old. Biting is also part of the natural teething process – this normally lasts until your pup is around seven months of age.
The behavior is being reinforced.
As puppies, biting was a way for them to try to instigate play and attention, explore the world, and burn off some teething frustration. Which of those three still serves a functional purpose in an older dog? Instigating play and attention.
Rabies can't go through unbroken skin. People can get rabies only via a bite from a rabid animal or possibly through scratches, abrasions, open wounds or mucous membranes in contact with saliva or brain tissue from a rabid animal.
If your dog jumps on people and nips them when they get excited, they need to learn the “No” command. Say “No” in a firm tone (but don't yell), and if your dog stops the problematic behavior, reward them with a treat or praise. If your dog gets too excited, having them learn commands can help stop the nipping.
Most scientific studies indicate that it is very possible to rehabilitate a dog after they bite another dog or person.
Play fight between dogs is only natural and should be allowed. It is a good exercise for your dog, a rehearsal for adulthood, and a good practice for socialization. However, play fights can sometimes turn into a real and dangerous fight.
One of the most common reasons why dogs love to lick their owners is simply to show their affection. Since you're the one taking care of them, you're essentially their world! When dogs lick, pleasurable endorphins are released into their blood which makes them feel calm and comforted.