Coton de Tulear Mouthing

by Sherry
(FL-----USA)

My Coton de Tulear likes to grab at our hands and wrists with her mouth. She does not bite or appear aggressive; she just wants to hold on. This happens sometimes when petting or always if she gets excited during playtime or when she knows we are leaving to go somewhere.

We have said No No and she stops for the time being, but will resume doing it later. I have been told to grab at her mouth and hold it but she is small and that seems like it would only encourage her to fight. She is 9 months old.

Any suggestions from someone who has had this happen?

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Apr 02, 2012
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MOUTHING
by: SHERRY/COTTON

Hi Kathy,
Good to hear from you and as far as Cotton goes she is even worse than when she was a puppy. I had tried everything but I just got tired of fussing at her about it. She does not bite and on occasion if she presses to hard on my fingers i say no - but for the most part i just ignore it. She is so adorable and just gets too excited at times and gets hold of me. It is not an aggression thing, more like I love you and want to hold on. In a few minutes she lets go and we just play or hug or whatever. --Maybe I let her get by with too much but as long as she doesn't get hurt -- I pretty much let her do whatever. She has never been destructive, never gets in trash, is potty trained ( uses her pee pad) if left for very long, never tears anything up so what more could I ask for???. To me she is just a perfect dog. Maybe Klohe will be different but it just does not matter to me anymore. Good luck to you.

Apr 02, 2012
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Mouthing is getting better :)
by: Kathy from Calif.

I just wanted to see how everyone is doing with the mouthing-if it is getting better for any of you. Khloe just turned one and maybe it is a little better. Sometimes, when she is mouthing, I also tell her to give "kisses" instead of using her teeth & she does that. I still would like if the mouthing stopped altogether. I do put a chew in her mouth and say 'bone" to her. All of the no's and holding her mouth shut and putting my fingers on her tongue....etc. really doesn't seem to help. Our pet trainer said to get up & walk away and to be consistent. I'll keep at it.

Nov 02, 2011
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still mouthing
by: sherry/cotton

I really appreciate all the comments from this, have tried each thing and saying no and quitting playing does work. (at the time) She is now almost 15 months old and has started grabbing at ankles when she wants to be carried. she is just so adorable and this is just something i guess we will deal with. We have started buying her really big toys, her tug rope is big enough for a great dane, she can hardly drag it around ( but it keeps us from getting bit), her energy and excitement just get the best of her, she is not mean in any way and never aggressive to anything.

We feel we are so lucky to have her and i am sure grateful for this site to visit with other coton lovers. This breed is so funny to watch, her antics are so cute, i can never have a bad day!!!

Oct 30, 2011
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Mouthing
by: Kathy T

I am having the same problem with our 7 month old Khloe. Her mouthing seems to be quite significant. It happens when we tickle her tummy and especially when somone comes over. (Perhaps, two completely different problems...) I am currently trying to stick a toy into her mouth and say "no bite". Sometimes it helps and other times it doesn't. I have also picked her up and then I look into her eyes and tell her "kisses". She will then lick, but soon returns to the mouthing. I talked with a dog trainer who said that she is exhibiting "dominant behavior" and I'm not sure what to do about it. Any suggestions will be welcomed. Any good videos or books to read?

May 21, 2011
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mouthing
by: Anonymous

Hi, either find an appropriate chew toy to redirect the mouthing or as soon as your Coton starts mouthing, get up and leave. Eventually, she will realize that the fun stops when she mouths and she should cease doing it.

May 21, 2011
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play biting
by: Anonymous

My Coton is a year old and loves to bite at my husbands arm as a way of playing. My husband is the only one he does this to and it is how they play together. He has tried to play with me like that but I just say no and he stops. I then play with a toy with him.

May 21, 2011
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Mouthing
by: Rona

We have the same situation with Barney who is now 4 months old. If I tell him sternly no and then in a soft voice I ask for 'kisses' he will stop and will lick but then other times he will respond with an open mouth. Offering appropriate chew toys helps but I don't always have one handy. I just keep trying to reinforce the good behavior.

May 21, 2011
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Nipping at hands/wrists
by: Deborah

Hi...nine months is very young and she is of course quite playful and trying to show her love and excitment...I would continue to reinforce no, stop playing and give her one of her own toys to play with/chew on --a replacement. They are the most wonderful breed I have ever known...we have two boys. Good luck,

May 21, 2011
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mothing
by: Terri

I've read that this is a sign of dominance. My 1 year old Boston Terrier does it too. Drives me nuts! Can't make her stop.

May 21, 2011
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Mouthing
by: Anonymous

My Coton likes to do this and "no" doesn't always work- but he HATES when I blow at him- so when he gets "mouthy" I say no and blow in his face and he stops right away.

May 21, 2011
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MOUTHING
by: KATHY

TRISCUIT DOES THAT ALOT, BUT STOPS WHEN I SAY NO, OR MAKE SOME NOISE AS TO DISCOURAGE HER. SHE DOESN'T BITE, AND IT SEEMS LIKE A PLAY THING TO HER,,, SOMETILMES SHE WILL JUST OPEN HER MOUTH AND DO NOTHING. / I DON'T VIEW IT AS A PROBLEM, BUT WOULD LIKE INPUT ALSO. THANKS, KATHY AND TRISCUIT FROM PA

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