We are really lucky that Harley is not a destructive chewer beyond toys - she rips toys apart with glee! But I have found that Harley likes to mouth on people. She doesn't chew, or bite, now that she is older and she is gentle about it but she likes to take hands and sometimes feet into her mouth and move the appendage around. We have one friend who is very steady and calm with her but Harley loves mouthing her hands and, if she has the chance, feet. Harley will very gently take the tips of my fingers into her mouth while she walks in the house, especially if I have just arrived home or she hasn't been with me for awhile. I really love it and I find it incredibly special. I am short in height so it is a perfect length. Just wondering if mouthing increases with nervousness or if it is habitual?
@Harley Quinn , I'm no expert but I believe it's because they are genetically programmed to use their mouths to bring us things and it's so important to them it's stronger in them than other breeds of dog. Cassie loves to play with my hands/arms if I let her, she's quite gentle now. She went through a phase of picking up each of my fingers in turn. I suppose it could become habitual.
Interesting question! I have zero experience with Labs but the last two fosters I've had have been very mouthy (I have the bruises to prove it) and for them (BC and terrier) the mouthiness definitely correlated with nervousness or excess energy. My first Rottie, Duncan, was not mouthy at all as a pup, but as an adult liked to "hold hands" with me by very gently taking my wrist in his mouth when in the house - sounds like what Harley does. I liked it, too!
Duggan has one soft toy that he won't destroy, he just mouths gently on it once in a while or brings it to newcomers as they come in the house. It's very endearing considering what he's like with play and chew toys.
Lucky tries to mouth when he says hello - usually on your thigh. I think with him it might be related to herding instincts, or he is trying to play! He knows he's not supposed to, so usually just pretends to do it by mouthing in the air. He definitely does it more when he's either really excited or nervous/anxious. He isn't that interested in toys or holding objects in his mouth.
