Mouthing

by Donna
(Brandon, MS)

Daisey is 1 year old and still mouths everything! I mean everything. She's eaten 4 rugs, many pairs of underclothes she gets from closets, washcloths, toys you name it. She has to put her mouth on your person or lick constantly. She will run up from behind and jab her mouth/teeth on the back of your heel or leg whatever she can get to. We have a 3-year-old grandson with fragile skin due to a genetic defect, I'm afraid she will unintentionally hurt him. I've popped newspapers on my hand and said "no" loudly I've put her in a different room when she eats things she shouldn't. I'm getting to the end of my rope with her. I cannot and WILL not have my grandson injured or any other member of my family because she won't stop jumping and putting her mouth on everything. She finally is house trained ( knock on wood) and on top of this my aging parents are requiring more assistance and I'm gone a lot. If anyone has any suggestions I'm willing to try it.

Thank you,
Donna

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Nov 07, 2022
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Management, positive reinforcement manners training, or regime NEW
by: Michelle

I understand your frustration. My 20 month old still requires some management even though I train him a lot and he is a very good learner. By management I mean crating when I'm gone, wearing a house line if he's rehearsing a bad behavior so I can easily regain control, gating off sections of the house so I can walk away without having my ankles attacked, and keeping items he tends to steal out of reach or behind closed doors. And for goodness sake, don't allow access to your child and/or don't allow your child access to the dog until things are resolved.

I know when my Radar starts doing the things you mention, it is him communicating he desires interaction. Cotons will not naturally lank around the house happy to mind their own business.

Your teenager (a 1 year old is not an adult yet) needs consistent leadership and communication from you about what you WANT her to do. Dogs DON'T understand the word "No!" In fact, a coton may think that loud newspaper noise and you yelling is an invitation from you to play even rougher.

Find a way to interact with your dog more. Give her enriching activities when you can't interact. I hope she's crate trained for when you can't be there. A loose young dog of any breed alone in the house is just asking for damaged rugs, etc.

If you can't control your frustration and you don't have the time or bandwidth to do the things your dog needs in order for her to be a happy member of your family, then you should call your breeder or your vet to help you re-home her. Please don't surrender her to a shelter. That is a nightmare for dogs.

Check out online courses either through Fenzi Dog Sports Academy (they offer behavior courses) or McCann Dogs, or find a good positive reinforcement trainer in your area.

I wish you all the best in whatever decision you make regarding the well being of your dog, your son, and yourself.

Oct 07, 2022
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Being gone a lot NEW
by: Luxor's Mom

I just noticed you say you are gone a lot. That does not bide well with Cotons. They are a companion breed and, yes, that means they reaquire constant companionship. If Daisey is left alone, she may be experiencing separation anxiety and soothing herself by mouthing everything she can get a hold of.

Oct 07, 2022
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Daisey reminds me of Luxor, the Mr. Personality NEW
by: Luxor's Mom, Washington DC

Sounds a lot like Luxor used to be at that age.
Mr. Personality is 8 now. Cotons are not an easy breed - they are very smart and manipulative - a bit like us, humans. Also, it's a rare breed, pampered for generations; so, they expect to be loved and admired unconditionally by their two-legged companions. Luxor, too, ate a rug and 3 pairs of my favorite Arche suede sandals. And outside used to mouth everything in sight. It took him 2 years to settle down. You seem to have a hard time choosing between your grandson and your Coton. Perhaps some compromise solution is possible until both your grandson and Coton get a little older and more mature to have a safe relationship?

Oct 06, 2022
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Mouthing NEW
by: Anonymous

Sounds like your heart has already made your decision. I’m sure you’ve already discussed the situation with your vet. Perhaps he could assist you in re-homing your Coton. Pups need a lot of consistent training and that takes time and patience. It sounds like your patience has been stretched to its limit. Between your grandson’s problem and parents who need your help, you don’t have the time to deal with your pup’s issues.

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