Behaviors That Need to be Reported

The puppy you are raising might show these behaviors at some point. It does not mean you are doing anything wrong or the puppy is being bad. It simply means they're being a dog! Sometimes, we have to redirect these behaviors and teach them new ones in their place.

As soon as you notice any of these behaviors, please let your advisor or area coordinator know.

Mouthing behaviors such as nibbling, mouthing, grabbing, snapping, and biting.
Fearful behaviors such as hackling, slinking, cowering, submissive urination, excited urination, growling, or whining.
Dominant behaviors such as biting, growling, snapping, mounting objects or people, rough play, lunging, guarding any objects.
Inappropriate on-leash habits such as pulling, lunging, tripping you, picking up objects, holding the leash in their mouth, stopping frequently, refusing to walk, chasing objects (cars, leaves, children, other animals).
Poor house manners such as counter surfing, searching in trash cans, stealing food, jumping on people, getting on the furniture, destructive chewing, stealing objects.
Other behaviors that need to be reported such as excessive barking or vocalizing, rude behavior toward dogs and other animals, distraction or obsession with other animals or objects, excessive chewing or licking, chasing lights or shadows, digging, aggression toward other dogs, submission toward other dogs, charging through doors, busying on route.

If there is any behavior or activity you are unsure of, please alert your advisor or area coordinator as soon as possible. The faster we resolve the issue, the easier it will be to fix.

Descriptions of common oral behaviors

Mouthing: When the dog takes your hand or your arm in his mouth very gently. This is most common. It can be playful or an attention-getting mechanism for the dog.
Grabbing: When the dog reaches out and takes hold of your hand, the back of your pants, or the ear or tail of another animal. This could lead to injury.
Nipping: This usually occurs when the pup is afraid or concerned. It also manifests itself when the pup is soliciting play. Usually occurs when the pup is afraid or concerned. It also manifests itself when the pup is soliciting play.
Biting: Where the puppy is more aggressive than nipping. This could be done out of fear or aggression, and it can lead to injury. The puppy is more aggressive than nipping. This could be done out of fear or aggression, and it can lead to injury.

Descriptions of common inappropriate behaviors

Cowering: The puppy does this when it is fearful of something such as a person or another animal. The dog may move away or actually move behind you or another object to get away. If the pup is overly concerned, it may also shake, cry, growl, or relieve itself.
Hackling: Hairs on the neck and back rises. This could be exhibited because of excitement, aggression, or tension.
Lunging: The puppy deliberately lunges toward another animal, individual, or object. This behavior is most often benign, but it is not desirable and could pose a safety problem for a guide dog user.
Posturing/Stalking: The puppy stares at another animal or person in challenge. Usually, the hackles rise, the tail is up and held stiffly. Sometimes the tail wags quickly and stiffly.
Slinking/Cowering: The puppy walks with its body low to the ground. The tail is usually tucked under. This could indicate concern, fear, or submission.
Soliciting: Many puppy raisers encounter this with meeting and greeting or at playtime. puppy raisers encounter this with meeting and greeting or at playtime.
Submissive urination: Submissive urination can be a sign of being submissive but not to be confused with happy peeing.
The scoots Also known as the "crazies" these are common to the Retriever breeds. During play the puppy may suddenly break into a running frenzy. During playtime it is common, but out in public or in the home this is unacceptable.

If you notice any of these temperaments in the pup, please speak with your puppy advisor or area coordinator.