{"id":9372,"date":"2023-09-08T12:50:05","date_gmt":"2023-09-08T12:50:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/notabully.org\/?p=9372"},"modified":"2024-01-28T18:18:04","modified_gmt":"2024-01-28T18:18:04","slug":"why-does-my-dog-grab-my-leg","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/notabully.org\/why-does-my-dog-grab-my-leg\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Does My Dog Grab My Leg? (Trainer Explains)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dogs have a lot of ways to explore their environment and communicate with humans and other dogs. With their trusted owner, they might initiate play by\u00a0<\/span>nibbling your nose<\/span><\/a>, or try to let you know they are anxious by<\/span>\u00a0grabbing your arm<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unless you have a\u00a0<\/span>giant breed<\/span><\/a>, your leg is a lot easier to grab than your nose or arm. Many dogs will default and try to grab your leg, and whether they are grabbing your leg with their mouth or paws, it can be an annoying habit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So why does your dog grab your leg?<\/span><\/p>\n

Dogs often try to grab your leg with their mouth because of boredom or excess energy; resulting in them herding, playing with, or nipping you. Grabbing you with their paws could also be a sign of anxiety, affection, or an attempt to hump you.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

So how far is too far if your dog grabs your legs and how do you change this behavior? Luckily this behavior is usually easy to modify with positive reinforcement and maybe small changes in routine for you and your dog. Let’s look at the different ways that cause your dog to grab your leg and what you can do to change their behavior.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Does My Dog Grab My Leg With Their Mouth?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Teaching your dog bite inhibition as a young puppy is usually the best way to ensure your dog does not grab your leg with their mouth and hurt you. However, even if they have learned bite inhibition does not mean they might not grab your leg if their instincts are strong enough.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Bite inhibition<\/span><\/a>\u00a0means your dog learns not to bite too hard when they are playing with other dogs or with you. Whether you will let your dog play nibble is your choice, but some dogs will have a harder<\/span>\u00a0bite force<\/span><\/a>\u00a0than others even when they are playing.<\/span><\/p>\n

So below are 5 reasons your dog could be pushing boundaries and grabbing your leg with their mouth. It is up to you when the behavior is unacceptable and if you want to try to change it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reason 1. They Are Herding You<\/span><\/h3>\n

Herding dog breeds<\/span><\/a>\u00a0are usually wired to grab legs with their mouth. It is in their nature to want to move and control groups of animals, specifically livestock such as sheep and cattle. <\/span><\/p>\n

As you can see in the video, one of the most effective ways for herding dogs like Australian Cattle Dogs to do their job is by grabbing their dogs.<\/span><\/p>\n