How to Stop a Dog From Mouthing One's Hands and Arms

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Correct the problem as soon as you can. The younger your puppy is the easier it will be to teach him not to mouth your hands. If you adopt an older dog, it's possible to correct a mouthing problem as you establish yourself as the leader of the pack. If you've allowed your dog to mouth for years, you can still retrain him but it will take longer.
Step 2:
Use consistency when training your dog not to mouth. Talk to everyone in the family and get them on-board with the plan. Your dog will learn quickly if everyone reacts in the same manner when he mouths.
Step 3:
Distract your dog from mouthing by offering him a rawhide chew when you pet him. Dogs often view petting as a time of interaction and play and mouthing is their way of responding to your attention. Offer him a rawhide chew and pet him.
Step 4:
Lower your voice and utter a single syllable word, such as "No" or "Off." When a puppy is young, its mother will growl to alert it to a bad behavior. Your dog will associate a low tone from your in the same manner. Shouting isn't necessary and may be counterproductive.
Step 5:
Turn away from a mouthing dog and fold your arms where he can't reach them. Giving your dog attention, any kind of attention, for mouthing teaches him to repeat the behavior. When he loses interest, praise and pet him. If he begins to mouth again, repeat the process.
Step 6:
Try any technique except smacking or hitting your dog. A slap on his face or nose may instill fear and distrust or it may make him think you are playing, in which case he may increase his mouthing and nipping. An older dog may see physical punishment as a threat and may react in anger, snapping or biting.

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