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Help for Jumpy/Mouthy

 Foster Dogs

Strategies to address jumpy/mouthy behavior in a home environment. 

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 it 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

1

step

1

step

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

2

step

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

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