Why is my puppy doing this?!?

Question

when he licks my face, he scratches it with his claws also, whats up with that? Also, he loves to take baths with me, he will swim around in the water then go on me , and repeat, is that normal/?! Also, does anybody know how much puppy training classes are at petsmart, money wise.THANKS!

Answer 1

Re licking your face... that is a very good sign. He has accepted you as part of his 'pack'. The attention to your face comes from him being with his mother. There is great attention given to the face by dogs... after all, that is where the action has been all his short life (his mother cleaned him, verbalized, and even possibly disciplined him with a warning growl/snap, etc.).

As far as the pawing, it is perfectly normal for a puppy to paw at another member of the pack. However, it is not a good thing for him to paw at a human's face due to potentially causing injury. I agree with the earlier post that he needs to learn the boundary that it is not acceptable behavior. When he does paw you, express your displeasure and then substitute an acceptable behavior. (Example- In older dogs who rush ahead of you to get out the door, the substitute behavior is for him to sit before the door is opened,) With a puppy, which possesses limited understood commands, you may have to become a little creative to find an alternate behavior.

I commend you on wanting to start classes! If Petsmart doesn't work out, call your vet and see if a local dog club or trainer offers classes.

In the mean time, you might want to check out the excellent book, "Dogs Lover to Please, We Teach Them How" by September Morn. The book is out of print, but you may find a copy through your library or Amazon for about $8.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Our dachshund digs at you when she's kissing, too. I don't know why, I think she's just trying to get closer - lol! She's a spoiled little freak. The bath thing, well some dogs are just water lovers, so that's pretty normal. We took our dogs to a private obedience school and it was $60 for 5 weeks. I would imagine PetSmart is going to be a little more expensive, but I would just call your local PetSmart and ask them.

Answer 3

Just don't let him scratch you. Just push away his paws and if he does it again, just say 'no' firmly and push him away totally. If you let him scratch you, he'll think it's okay, and keep doing it. Dogs need to learn boundaries and limits. You have to teach them what's okay and what's not okay, just like kids.

Cesar Millan on National Geographic (Fridays at 8pm) is a great show - called "Dog Whisperer". He trains dogs and owners and teaches owners how to condition their dogs so that the dogs consider the owners as the alpha dog or the leader of the pack.

Answer 4

That is totally normal. It is a little weird he takes baths with you though, I would give him his own baths.

Answer 5

dont freak out freak out ok
My teacher told us about this girl whos dog always scratches her neck,the girl had her neck checked and it turned out the dog saved er from an early stage of cancer.

Answer 6

there's only 2 situations why...actually "toy dogs" really do that your dog is definitely friendly, secondly if your the dog's master its really their nature to do that...that's why dogs are called to be a man's best friend cause they are always there to protect you and that you can call on too...

Answer 7

is it a retriever or some other kind of water dog
he may swim back to you to check that you are alright or to get your approval

Answer 8

My dog "pets" my face also. What kind of dog is it?

Answer 9

You're taking your bath with your dog?..............(she asked confused)

Answer 10

generally for attention.