Case Study: Addressing Jumping and Mouthing in Rescued Dogs

A Note From GHDT

A Note From GHDT

Dear Intrepid Reader,

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work with a professional dog trainer? Our case studies offer a unique glimpse into the training process. They’re not just success stories, but honest accounts of the challenges, strategies, and unexpected twists that come with helping dogs and their owners. Our approach, guided by patience, expertise, and positive reinforcement, is what makes these stories truly inspiring.

We share these stories for a few reasons:

• To show you what’s possible with patience, expertise, and a whole lot of positive reinforcement
• To give you a taste of how we approach different behavior dilemmas
• To help you see if our training style might be a good fit for you and your dog

We’ve divided these into two sections: a short TL;DR section for those with dinner plans and a detailed version for our scientifically inclined counterparts. So settle in, dear reader, and dive into these real-life tales of canine transformation. Who knows? Your dog’s success story could be next!

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Case Study Summary: Jumping and Mouthing in Rescue Dogs

Meet Mozelle

Jumping and mouthing in rescued dogs can be challenging, as Alisha discovered with her newly adopted pup. Mozelle, a 1-year-old spayed female Pit Bull mix, came to her new home with an excess of enthusiasm, manifesting in excessive jumping and mouthing behaviors. Alisha grew increasingly concerned that Mozelle’s exuberant greetings might escalate from leaving bruises to potentially causing bites.

Backstory

Mozelle had a rough beginning. Found as a stray with bilateral femoral fractures, she was patched up and sent to Alisha for fostering. But as Mozelle recovered, her playful nips turned into harder mouthing, leaving Alisha concerned.

The Story You Are About To Read Is True

The names have been changed to protect the innocent.

Breaking Down A Treatment Plan

The Challenge

Alisha’s main concerns were:

• Jumping and mouthing at people
• Behavior escalating and becoming unpredictable
• Worry about potential bites

Our Approach

We knew Mozelle needed a combination of physical and mental TLC. Here’s what we did:

1. Pain Check: Confirmed Mozelle wasn’t in pain via a thorough vet exam.
2. Medication & Management: Collaborated with the vet on pain management and behavior meds.
3. Positive Interruption: Taught Alisha how to redirect Mozelle’s attention when she got overexcited.
4. Mat Training: Created a “chill spot” where Mozelle could settle and earn treats.
5. Enrichment Galore: Introduced puzzle toys and lick mats to engage Mozelle’s mind.

The Results

After a few months of consistent work:

• Incidents of jumping and mouthing decreased by about 75%
• Zero bites!
• Mozelle learned to settle on her mat
• She became more comfortable with handling for vet visits

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Formal Case Study: Mozelle

Subject Information

• Name: Mozelle
• Age: 1 year
• Breed: Pit Bull mix
• Sex: Spayed female
• History: Found as a stray with femur fractures, recovered under Alisha’s care

Presenting Complaint

“Jumping and mouthing at me, my boyfriend and guests. No skin broken yet, but escalating and unpredictable. I’m worried she will bite.”

Medical & Wellness

• Bilateral femoral fractures surgically repaired
• On twice-daily pain medication
• Diet: Blue Buffalo, 2 cups AM & PM
• Sometimes moves food bowl and doesn’t finish meals
• Slightly underweight

Behavioral History & Timeline

Mozelle’s jumping and mouthing began post-surgery. Managed initially with time-outs, leashing, and medication; incidents peaked mornings before medication and evenings when Alisha was away.

Assessment

Likely pain and anticipation drove her mouthing. Eye contact and approach triggered defensive snaps. Stress signals went unheeded until she escalated.

Recommendations

• Continue muzzle training for safety
• Vet pain re-check and adjust medications
• Teach a positive interrupter cue
• Expand mat training to reinforce calm behavior
• Daily enrichment: puzzle feeders, lick mats
• Track incidents in a behavior journal

Follow-Up & Progress

Over subsequent virtual and in-person consults, Mozelle’s incidents dropped ~75%, no bites occurred, and her confidence grew. She now tolerates vet handling with minimal stress and shows strong foundation behaviors on leash in safe environments.