Springing Up and mouthing my hand

[Leslie C.]

So, Lili Bear will have her first off class grounds intro. competition this weekend.  She has done well on in the intro. competitions at our training sites. 

 

I need some suggestions on extinguishing a behavior of springing up to mouth / bite my hands in the middle of the runs.  She turns into Tigger and stops her forward focused attention to do this.  I think its over excitement...Any suggestions?  ~Leslie

[Leslie C.]

Any suggestions?  We have another trial this weekend.  ~Leslie

[Stella]

I know this is an old post, so you may have fixed this problem already.  But figured I'd reply anyway!!  Are you holding treats in your hand during training?  This could be why she is jumping up at your hand?  Try keeping treats in your pocket and throwing them to her when you reward.  You could also spray your hands with Bitter Apple or something else that tastes bad to discourage her from mouthing you.  It is probably over excitement, so you can also work on teaching her relaxation and self-control exercises.

[Leslie C.]

Thanks so much for all of your suggestions.  The problem still exists.  Do you have suggestions on where i should look for relaxation and self control exercises?  Thanks again.  Leslie 

[Stella]

Is she still doing it? I would get hold of a copy of the book or DVD "Control Unleashed". A lot of it is about reactive dogs, but it includes a lot of self-control exercises.