How to stop the hand holding

[Jeanluvsrotts]

Thanks to the member who told me where to post this. Really I will get the hang of this sometime. My question was: Can any of you give me some tips on how to stop the hand holding. When we come home he is so excited that he grabs our hands and holds them in his mouth. Sometimes even tries to lead us around. Now he doesn't bite, doesn't hurt just mouths. I have tried giving him a chew toy, treats, etc. but he still wants to do the hand holding thing. I don't want to punish him but I don't want him to continue this because he might hurt someone unintentionally. He doesn't do this to anyone but us. When company comes he is a perfect gentleman.

[Mojave's Mom]

Hi Jean-

You have to correct this behavior now. Your dog needs to understand that his teeth don't belong on humans....EVER. Even if he's only doing it to you guys and not friends of the family, it doesn't matter. Nip this in the bud....ASAP!

Don't give him access to your hands in the first place...ignore him when you first come home and don't give him the chance to get your hand. If he does get your hand in his mouth, tell him in a clear, and very stern voice "NO BITE!" and take your hand away. Then give him a toy..when he holds onto the toy, tell him "good boy!" and give lots of praise and then play with him. If he goes for the hands again, hold his mouth shut and tell him "NO BITE!" replace it with a bone or toy.

A friend of mine's dog (a doberman) did this to them too (the hand holding) and they tried this method and it worked. It worked so well that the dog soon associated them coming home and playing time, so that he'd be waiting at the door with a toy ready to go play! Good luck! :D

[ April 13, 2001: Message edited by: Mojave's Mom ]