Callipygous87

About 3 or 4 weeks ago we adopted a dog who was abandoned when the owner moved. We think shes an australian kelpie mix, and weve been told shes two years old. Shes a very sweet dog, generally well behaved, though she has started testing boundaries more as she gets more comfortable with us.

One behavior that has been concerning me is she has a tendancy to use her mouth sometimes. She seems to do it playfully when she gets excited, and a few times if she doesnt like the way im handling her. Like if im taking her by the collar out of an area she where she isnt allowed. She hasnt bitten anyone, or caused any harm, but im worried that she might get mouthy with someone in public and it could be misinterpreted.

I am trying to use positive reinforcement as much as possible, but I'm a little lost on how to discourage a specific behavior like this. Reward her anytime shes not being mouthy?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks for the tips!

Those words could just as easily have a curious tone, rather than condescending. But the hivemind doesnt bother with benefit of the doubt.