Play Mouthing and Biting (Canine, puppy)

Dogs of all ages use their mouths a great deal during normal interaction with other dogs, human companions and their environments. However, canine mouthing and chewing behavior seems to be most intense between the ages of three and seven months. Puppies in this developmental period experience the discomfort of teething and, therefore, are motivated to chew on objects to ease pain caused by the eruption of adult teeth. Additionally, puppy mouthing during play and interaction very likely serves the important purpose of facilitating the development of bite inhibition, the ability to control jaw pressure in certain social situations.

Like many other dog behaviors that people consider problematic, mouthing is an example of interspecific expression of intraspecific social interaction. Puppies mouth, bite and chew on their human companions, just like they do when interacting with members of their own species. However, despite the fact that puppy mouthing is a completely acceptable behavior when directed at other dogs, most pet parents find their puppies' play biting painful and unpleasant. The most effective way to deal with this unwanted behavior is not to attempt to eliminate it altogether, but to channel it in the right direction. A successful intervention for puppy mouthing will include opportunities for puppies to learn how to use their mouths gently when playing, alternative ways to play with people and appropriate outlets for puppies' natural need to chew and bite.

Common name: Play mouthing, Play biting, Nipping,

Scientific name: Play mouthing, Play biting, Nipping

Diagnosis

Signalment
Although certain breeds, such as retrievers, may have a predisposition toward oral interaction with the environment, there are no data concluding a breed or reproductive status predilection for puppy mouthing.

Incidence/prevalence
Puppy play mouthing is most prevalent in dogs between the ages of four and seven months of age.

Geographic distribution
There is no unique geographic distribution for puppy mouthing.

Clinical signs (primary, most to least frequent, scientific term, synonyms)
Mouthing or biting on human body parts or clothing, Mouthing or biting other puppies and dogs.

Clinical signs (secondary, most to least frequent, scientific term, synonyms)
Excessive mouthing behavior.

Cause (scientific, common term)
Teething, Normal social behavior.

Organ system affected (most to least affected)
None.

Diagnostic tests
Behavioral evaluation by a professional.

Differential Diagnosis
Aggression.

Overview

Dogs of all ages use their mouths a great deal during normal interaction with other dogs, human companions and their environments. However, canine mouthing and chewing behavior seems to be most intense between the ages of three and seven months. Puppies in this developmental period experience the discomfort of teething and, therefore, are motivated to chew on objects to ease pain caused by the eruption of adult teeth. Additionally, puppy mouthing during play and interaction very likely serves the important purpose of facilitating the development of bite inhibition, the ability to control jaw pressure in certain social situations.

Like many other dog behaviors that people consider problematic, mouthing is an example of interspecific expression of intraspecific social interaction. Puppies mouth, bite and chew on their human companions, just like they do when interacting with members of their own species. However, despite the fact that puppy mouthing is a completely acceptable behavior when directed at other dogs, most pet parents find their puppies' play biting painful and unpleasant. The most effective way to deal with this unwanted behavior is not to attempt to eliminate it altogether, but to channel it in the right direction. A successful intervention for puppy mouthing will include opportunities for puppies to learn how to use their mouths gently when playing, alternative ways to play with people and appropriate outlets for puppies' natural need to chew and bite.

Treatment

Home Care
In order to learn how to inhibit the pressure they exert when using their mouths in social situations, young puppies need frequent access to other puppies and dogs. During interaction with a peer, if a puppy bites too hard, the playmate will likely yelp and cease play. Through this kind of repeated negative punishment, the puppy will eventually learn that in order to ensure the continuation of enjoyable play, it must use its mouth gently, inhibiting the pressure of play bites.

It is crucial to encourage the use of toys during play with puppies. If a puppy starts to mouth on its pet parent, a toy can be inserted into the puppy's mouth as an appropriate alternative. Teaching interactive games, such as tug-of-war and fetch, can also be very beneficial. They increase needed mental and physical stimulation, can reduce puppy play biting, and provide the puppy with a way to interact with its pet parent that is enjoyable for both species.

If the puppy does not redirect its mouthing toward an offered toy and continues to mouth on skin or clothing, its pet parent should make a yelping noise or say “Ouch!” and then immediately give the puppy a one- to three-minute time-out by removing all attention from the puppy. This procedure will teach the puppy that mouthing on people results in the loss of attention and the opportunity to play. With consistent repetition, the puppy will learn to refrain from mouthing on people and direct its play biting toward appropriate interactive toys instead.

The provision of appealing chewing outlets may also help reduce puppy mouthing and biting. The use of food-puzzle toys, as well as a variety of edible and inedible chew items is highly recommended. Teething puppies may especially enjoy cold things to chew, such as frozen washcloths or special dog toys designed for freezing.

Professional Care
If home care is unsuccessful, pet parents should seek a consultation with Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (www.certifiedanimalbehaviorist.com), a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behavior (www.acvb.org), or a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (www.ccpdt.org).

Action
Appropriate management of puppy mouthing behavior is often successful.

Outcome
The prognosis for the management and treatment of inappropriate puppy mouthing is excellent.

Recommended Treatment
Appropriate behavior modification is typically successful in managing puppy play mouthing. Consultation with a veterinarian or qualified behaviorist or trainer may be required if home care is not successful.

References/Additional Readings

Hetts, S. Title. Pet Behavior Protocols. Lakewood, CO: AAHA Press, 1999; 52, 53.

Overall, K. Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Small Animals. St. Louis, MO: Mosby, Inc., 1997; 263, 264.

Author

Kristen Collins, CPDT

Consulting Author

Jennifer Sobie, PhD

Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist

Editor

Steven Hansen, DVM, MS, MBA

DABVT, DABT