A mouthy one! is this normal

[Manchester_Spaniel]

Hi All

I wanted to ask your expert advice on something to do with my almost 9 month old pupster Freddie

Fred seems to use his mouth a LOT to say hello, let me know he is there, get my attention. Its not a nip or a bite its more mouthing, so he will open his jaw and gently grab say my arm or hand and it then turns into a lick. Is this mouthiness normal or is it be something I should seek to control?

Thanks everyone

[KellyT]

it's not unnatural for pups to use their mouths in this way, but, I guess you wouldn't want it to escalate and for him to be applying pressure 
Theres some tips in threads at the top of the puppies section on dealing with biting/nipping/mouthing.

Our youngest is 6 years, and occasionally she still does this, but usually only if she's excited and we're playing a game, but she does it and then licks too, it's almost like an apology for the mouthing!

When both ours were younger we did a little yelp each time they mouthed or nipped us in play to teach them to be gentle.

[cazza]

  I have a lab like this - he grabs hold of my sleeve to pull my arm down so he gets attention (blimey hope Mark doesn't read this) and I am ashamed to say I haven't stopped him  He puts his mouth over my hand and gently massages my hand with his mouth, no pressure is ever used he has a fantastic soft mouth and he doesn't do it to the kids or anyone else for that matteras we did nip it in the bud but I wasn't consistant when he did / does it to me 

Personally I would suggest you nip this in the bud now, but the old saying comes to mind 'do as I say and NOT as I do' 

[julie1]

How else is he going to hold your hand & tell you he loves you ??
All my dogs have done it, I just say "gentle"
If it is hard,    I agree with the quick "yelp" from whoever he is doing it to, its always worked for me                regards julie (because I still can't do a picture or signature  )