[Annamarie]

Just wondering if it's a playful or dominant thing or what, when a dog bites (not really biting, more like mouthing) when he's pushed away? He doesn't do it in an aggressive way, it's more a wrestling kind of thing (he usually puts his paws around my arm at the same time) but it's still annoying. The only way I can get him to go away and stop biting is if I tell him "GET!" in a loud snappy voice. Then he either sits on the ground crying or runs to the bedroom all pouty to hide under the covers. We never allow him to bite but he does mouth when he wrestles with my SO.

I usually push him away when he wants to cuddle because he's cold or something, and I don't feel like cuddling. Sorry pup, but lately I can't stand dog smell with the nausea. He does have a heated blanket to sleep on, just so you don't think I'm being cruel

[TooneyDogs]

It's a play thing but, you're actually encouraging the dog to come closer by pushing it away. That's because dogs have an opposition reflex...you push...they push back. It's the same thing that makes sled dogs pull...the harness pushes against their chests, so they push back (and pull the sled).

[Cheetah]

Yes, I agree. You are initiating play in doggie language when you push the dog back. Shippo loves to be pushed around and he comes back for more with mouthing and pawing lmao.

It would be more effective to just tell him to go away. "GET" is my command for "get away from me now" lmfao. It's amazing how they scatter in different directions when I bark it out lmfao...

[poodleholic]

Mouthing when being pushed away is common, and understandable behavior from a playful puppy. Pushing him away (just as shouting NO) doesn't teach the puppy/dog anything, but will likely confuse him, because he'll pick up on your frustration/anger, but doesn't understand why you're upset with him.

Redirect him to a wanted behavior (i.e., sit), then follow up with positive reinforcement for compliance, or, teach him "OFF." Being patient and persistent, and consistent in your training will pay off.

[Annamarie]

that makes sense. "you wanna go? huh? make me! bring it on! wee this is fun!" hehe

usually it's just a reaction when he jumps up on the couch and crawls all over me. i'll try to stick to more verbal commands.

[Chelsea and Oskar]

Oskar does this too. If someone starts rough housing with Oskar he starts doing this, I tell everyone not to... my boyfriend still does it sometimes. If I play gentle with him he only licks me or nibbles clothes.

I started out saying "OWWW! Owwwie!" and holding where he nipped/mouthed me, and walking away from him, this worked for a while.

I also did the harsher approch... which I hate doing but when he is really hyper his biting gets out of hand. You push your arm/hand into their mouth and push the back of their head forward firmly. It makes it uncomfortable for them, if your dog gags, you did it too hard. Dog teeth hurt though.

I just ignore and stop playing with him after a "NO" now. Hes teething and does this constantly. Maybe I should spray bitter apple on my hand.