Have you ever been confused when your pup snuggles close, you let out an “Awww!” and then… you feel teeth on your hand? Are you wondering why your dog is putting your arm into his mouth? Of course, the first thought you had was that they want to bite you, but it turns out there’s a lot more to this behavior than just aggression. In this article, we’ll explore why exactly your pup is putting your arm into his mouth, and what it could mean for your relationship.
1. Dealing with a Pet’s Unusual Behavior
Unusual behaviour can be a challenge for any pet owner. Though it’s important to remember that animals have their own unique personalities that require understanding and patience. When a pet’s behaviour begins to deviate from the norm, it can be an indication of a health problem.
But first, it’s important to determine whether the behaviour is truly out of character or if it’s something more natural. Here are a few tips to help you handle your pet’s unusual behaviour:
- Watch your pet closely: Make sure you are aware of when this unusual behaviour starts and ends.
- Check for medical issues: This is especially important if the behaviour has suddenly begun or stopped without explanation.
- Make an appointment with a veterinarian: They will be able to properly diagnose and provide treatment for any underlying medical issues.
- Be patient: It may take some time for the behaviour to return to normal if there is a medical issue.
It’s important to be patient and understand that sometimes odd behaviour is just part of a pet’s personality. However, if your pet’s behaviour continues to be out of the ordinary, it’s best to seek medical advice in order to give your pet the best care possible.
2. Uncovering the Reason behind your Dog’s Unusual Habit
Your furry companion has been acting out of the ordinary, and you’ve been tasked with understanding why — you aren’t alone! Dogs like to express themselves and while some may sit quietly, others will tell us what’s going on through their unusual habits.
Start by considering any changes in environment, diet or lifestyle. Some dogs may start pacing if they are confined to crates or different rooms. Others may suddenly develop a finicky appetite due to overexposure to certain diet items or food sensitivities. Look for signs:
- Integrations: Did you bring in a new pet or person? Dogs need time to adjust to changes.
- Care: Is your pet’s routine still on point? Proper care and exercise are essential for a healthy lifestyle.
- Health: Has a visit to the veterinarian been recently delayed? Ensure that your four-legged pal is up to date on all required vaccinations and health evaluations.
Once you understand why you dog is behaving in a certain way, you can help transition the unwanted behavior to a desirable one. Speak with your veterinarian for any additional advice and insight and to determine if medications or supplements may be necessary.
3. Is Your Dog Trying to Show Affection?
Does your beloved canine companion ever attempt to shower you with love? From cuddles to drooling kisses, it’s no secret that dogs show affection.
If your pup is trying to show you affection, here are a few ways they might demonstrate their feelings:
- Licking or Nudging – Dogs will often show their affection by licking and nudging you in an attempt to bond with you.
- Tail Wagging – Using their tail is a natural way for a dog to convey their happiness and excitement when you arrive home.
- Playfulness – If your pup is feeling energetic, they will likely express their feelings by bouncing around the room with a toy.
- Snuggling – When a dog snuggles up to you, it is a sign that they are trying to show you love and create a closer bond.
No matter the affection display, dogs will always enjoy getting attention and return that love. If your pup is trying to show you some love, be sure to return the gesture and take some much-deserved cuddle time.
4. Should You be Concerned About Your Dog’s Mouthy Habit?
Many dog owners are concerned when their pet displays mouthy behavior that can range from playful nibbling to aggressive biting. It’s important to distinguish between the two to know if any action needs to be taken.
Nibbling
Often, puppies will “mouth” their owners, using the same type of behavior they use on litter mates. If your pup’s nibbling is:
- Soft, gentle, and likely to cause no injury
- A puppy that is just 10 to 12 weeks old
- Brief, not sustained
It is likely just a sign of affection and not a cause for alarm; instead, consider it a cute way for your puppy to interact.
Biting
When your dog clamps down on your skin, breaking the surface, it’s time to take action. Biting implies that the puppy is either being unaware of its own strength or deliberately choosing to ignore it. Training and socialization is vital for a pup of this age. It’s important to take action sooner not later, following up with positive reinforcement-based techniques.
Prevention
There are several steps you can take to prevent your puppy from developing a mouthy habit, including the following:
- Re-direct: When puppies mouth their owners, gently re-direct their attention onto chew toys.
- Interrupt: Loudly say “Ouch!” as soon as your puppy bites, and be sure to follow-up with a brief interruption of playing.
- Reward: Make sure to reward acceptable behavior with praise and treats.
If you’re consistent and follow up with these measures, your puppy will learn that biting has consequences — and over time, clamps down.
5. Training Tips to Stop Your Dog From Putting Your Arm in His Mouth
Redirect the Behavior
One of the more popular training tips for stopping your pup from putting his mouth on your arm is to redirect his behavior. When your pup gets close to wanting to grab your arm, distract him with a toy. Start training your pup early to recognize ‘appropriate’ toys and ‘inappropriate’ items. Providing an alternative object that your pup is familiar with, which will be less likely to trigger a negative behavior.
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement works best when teaching a pup new behaviors. Offer your pup a treat or verbal praise when they display appropriate behavior. Praise your pup for not biting your arm as well as associating biting with a punishment like a vocal odd sound. This will help your pup to understand the difference between right and wrong.
Correct Unacceptable Behavior
If your pup does put their mouth on your arm, provide a correction using an unpleasant verbal sound or loudly say “No!”. It is important to note, that corrections should be done in the moment as your pup is biting your arm, not after they’ve already released.
Make Your Arm Unappealing
If your pup loves to grab your arm because it yields a happy response, it’s time to make it unappealing. Some things that can help include:
- Putting your arm in your pocket
- Standing up and turning away from your pup
- Refraining from engaging your pup
- Acting bored
By giving your pup no reward when he grabs your arm, he will eventually realize that the behavior is not productive and will stop.
6. Understanding the Relationship Between Play and Chewing
Play is an oft-ignored activity for pups. At times, it may be seen as unimportant compared to work, yet play has an integral role in canine development and well-being. And it has a unique relationship with chewing.
One of the main correlations between play and chewing is that playing gives dogs an opportunity to unpack extra energy and reduces the likelihood of them engaging in undesirable activities like chewing items in the home.
Certain types of play, like fetch, tug-of-war and chase can be used as a replacement for chewing. For instance, if a pup is gnawing on a shoe, offering an interactive game of chase or tug-of-war can engage them in a positive outlet.
However, chewing can also be a useful tool for dogs to work off stress related from play. If dogs have been entertaining themselves with a long duration of playing, they may seek solace in chewing when the energy has been expended.
Some common reasons dogs turn to chewing after a bout of play include:
- Stress relief: It’s possible that dogs use chewing to provide an outlet for built up energy following an exciting time of playing. Chewing helps them to expel the built-up stress.
- Exploration and Comfort: Chewing offers a form of exploration and tactile comfort, allowing dogs to feel more secure.
- Mental Exercise: As with playing, chewing encourages pups to problem-solve and can stimulate their minds.
Moreover, a great balance between play and business can be achieved by providing chew toys alongside other interactive engagements, allowing pups to explore, stimulate their minds, and work through any residual stress.
As such, it’s no wonder play and chewing are two activities that go hand in hand. When properly balanced, both can be great outlets for learning, exercise, exploration and stress relief.
7. Ways to Reassure Your Dog and Manage Anxiety
Having a pet can be both a source of joy and stress. A dog’s emotional state directly affects the well-being of its human companion, so it is important to take measures to ensure their happiness. Here are seven tips to help you manage your dog’s anxiety and keep them at ease:
1. Routines – Keeping a consistent routine in terms of walks, exercise, and mealtimes can help stabilize your pup’s anxiety since it keeps them in a steady pattern of comfort and familiarity. Feed them at around the same time every day and go on regular walks: this consistency can work wonders for their mood.
2. Bonding – Make time for bonding activities. Make sure to pet, cuddle, or groom them for a few minutes each day. Positive reinforcement through treats and verbal praise can go a long way in helping manage their anxiety. Dedicate time to quality bonding, and don’t forget – always reward good behavior!
3. Music – Playing soothing music can be highly beneficial for an anxious pup. Whether it’s slow-paced or classical music, both can be very calming for your dog. Research into this topic has shown repeated that playing musing specifically tailored to dogs significantly lowers their stress levels.
4. Exercise – Being active and getting plenty of fresh air can be hugely beneficial when it comes to alleviating anxiety. Make sure to play a game of fetch or take your pup on a jog every day. Exercise releases endorphins that reduce stress and will lead to a calmer, happier animal.
- Separation Training
- Anti-Anxiety Treats
- Chewing Toys
- Pet Massage
Long-term, these methods can help to reduce your dog’s anxiety and strengthen their bond with you. With some patience and understanding, you can ensure your pup stays happy and calm.
After exploring the various theories behind why your pup may be opting to put your arm in his mouth, one thing has become apparent: it all comes down to the unique relationship between you and your loving pup! Your pup will find their own unique way of expressing affection and it’s up to you to nurture this special bond and cherish each and every moment.