"Bitey Face" or Mouth Wrestling or whatever you call it, we've all seen our dogs do it . . . they're not trying to kill each other (altho it can get loud) but they're not being gentle, either. I know that nipping is a stage every pup goes thru and I know that you have to curb it early. Wahi was maybe 6 months (vet's guess, based on teeth) when I got her 2 months ago and she's generally very well mannered but absolutely still a puppy.

I've been teaching Wahi commands and tricks (including things like shake and high five) and the latest is for her to "kiss" on command. About a week ago, we were working on "kiss" - I want her to lick/touch her nose to my cheek on command - and when she put her face against mine, her mouth was open. Her mouth us SO big that it meant that her bottom teeth touched my skin right under my jaw (about an inch and a half from my ear, along the jawline). I figured she'd just gotten confused and wasnt actually trying to bite/nip my face.

Tonight Ariki was playing with a toy so I decided to work with Wahi on "kiss". When I pointed to my cheek and said "kiss" she acted like she was trying to nibble my chin. I said "NO" firmly and then tried to redirect (had her sit and refocus) and she did a "kiss" exactly the right way. Lots of praise and treats.

Then the next time, she came at the bottom part of my face with her mouth open and head on the side - exactly the same way she grabs Ariki when they're playing biteyface. I quickly said NO and took hold of her muzzle and held it closed for a minute.

Is she trying to play biteyface with me? Does this sound crazy? Should I give up on teaching kiss and just teach her not to lick humans at all? :confused: Thanks all! -Em