Hi all, I'm new to the forum and a first time dog owner (although always had labs around when I was growing up). I have a problem with my 15 month old black lab. Firstly, she is super excitable which we are almost on top of but if a stranger or someone new tries to stroke her she persists in nibbling/mouthing their hand. It isn't aggressive, it's excitement but it is unacceptable and frightening for visitors. She doesn't do it to people she knows well, and we did all the usual stuff when she was small to stop nipping so it's not as if it has ever been tolerated. Please help!
Re: Still nipping at 15 months Welcome to you! My Tatze is still very mouthy at 21 months. She just needs to be reminded. The way I remind her is to distract her with treats. I blame my husband as he loves her licking him! If the visitors are at my home I give them toys to shove in her mouth until she calms down. In fact, my brother arrived 5 minutes ago and he's been doing just that. She's calm now Gypsy (8 months) isn't mouthy at all - I haven't allowed my husband to let this one be licky/mouthy!
Re: Still nipping at 15 months Hi and welcome Really good advice from Boogie toys are brilliant distractions
Re: Still nipping at 15 months Thanks for that, what would you recommend when I am out on a walk with her and other dog owners put their hands down to stroke her and 'snap'! :-[
Re: Still nipping at 15 months I would jump in there and ask them to not pet your dog before they do. I sometimes do this when mine are being particularly bouncy and I'm trying to get them to be polite. Or if I'm trying to train them to ignore strangers. People can look surprised, but when I say I'm trying to train sociable behaviours, they understand. You have to be quick with some people, though!
Re: Still nipping at 15 months Great, I will do that. I would understand if someone asked the same of me. I am hopeful she will grow out of it, but have this awful feeling I'll have a dog no-one can stroke for ever! :'(
Re: Still nipping at 15 months My 2 year old boy will forget himself sometimes and nip toes, just as though he was 8 weeks old. :. He is also a very excitable dog. I just do the ouch thing and sulk for a bit. It's getting less frequent. I think some labs stay very puppy like for quite a while....it doesn't mean they won't turn out to be perfectly nice dogs.
