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Old 06-12-2010, 03:49 AM   #17
Rhetts_mama
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I just went back and re-read one of the responses to your question about mouthing. PLEASE think twice before following the recommendation that you cover their muzzle and swat it. In a puppy this young (or any age, IMO) using your hand to discipline this way can only backfire and cause fear issues or even turn a playful mouthing in to aggressive biting.

Redirection is a much better option. Since you said she mouths when you are holding her, have something she can chew on close by. When she goes for your hand, tell her "no bite" and give her the toy instead. Yelp when she bites, like her playmates would have done to tell her she was getting too rough. If she continues to bite at you despite offering her the alternative, pick her up and put her in her crate for a minute or two(walk away). She will learn that mouthing hands means the end of playtime.

You could also try putting some bitter apple on your hands prior to holding her.
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