Disconcerting Behavior - Mouthing Guests

[Guest metoman]

We got 5-year old Ozzie about 4 months ago. He's very shy, but he's showing us new personality traits every day. He normally ignores house guests and stays near us. Recently, he has taken to "mouthing" or "nitting" guests. He only does it occasionally, but it freaks out the guests as normally Ozzie avoids them. He doesn't draw blood, and apparently it doesn't even really hurt (we are told). Ozzie does this very quickly and he is walking away before the guest realizes what's happened. He doesn't do this to us, so we are in a bit of a quandary as to how to correct it other than having people over and watching him like a hawk. We have various theories as to why he's doing this, but they are just guesses. Anybody else run into this before?

Edited September 11, 2011 by metoman

[Tallgreydogmom]

Nitting

 

(not aggressive biting)

 

Another behavior trait of some Greyhounds is called "nitting". When a Greyhound is very happy, and loves their "person" they may nibble at their arm or side (or any available skin) with their front teeth. It's actually an expression of great happiness but it might be misinterpreted as aggression. The nibble is hard enough to easily leave a bruise, so, although it's actually meant as a true compliment, it's wise to be careful.

[Guest BrianRke]

Diamond does this all the time. Even though sometimes it hurts, I think its sooo cute.

[Guest Swifthounds]

When they nit family members it's usually affection. When they nit strangers it's usually a sign of excitement.

 

The short answer is that, yes, if he doesn't nit household members, you'll have to recruit some friends to be able to create an opportunity for the behavior so you can have the opportunity to discourage it. Regardless of the dog's intent, nitting strangers is a recipe for disaster and it only takes once.

[TheFullHouse]

Tell your guests to respond with a loud "OUCH". That usually gets the dogs attention and then you can tell them NO.

[Batmom]

Are these people he's seen before (vs brand new people), or perhaps youngish people (early 20s or younger, vs old farts)?

 

If his attentions seem friendly -- second meeting, or unthreatening young people, for example -- I'd be gentle about discouraging him. Probably a quiet "aaaah, easy!" is enough.

 

Here it's always been pleasurable excitement / recognition of a desirable person. I've never had one escalate the behavior. But, as with so many things, YMMV.

[Tallgreydogmom]

For the greyhounds safety we keep them gated in another room when we have company. If people would like to visit with them they may go back to the room. Many people do not really like dogs but would never say so in front of you. You never know what they might say to other people.