Overall Description/Definition:
Jumpy/mouthy (JM) dogs are adolescent or adult dogs who have an energetic, playful, and outgoing personality. These dogs energetically jump up, put their mouths on people (usually people’s arms and legs), and may even grab at clothing and/or the leash. Jumpy/mouthy dogs may display one or all of the aforementioned behaviors. Jumpy/mouthy dogs may either use a soft mouth (contact with teeth which causes no discomfort) or hard mouth (contact of teeth with pressure which causes discomfort or pain). Unlike biting, jumpy/mouthy behavior is NOT performed with intent to do harm. Biting is a form of aggression, often accompanied by growling, teeth baring and snapping, and most often occurs when a dog is fearful of something or protecting a valued resource.