Air Snapping

[Dobiegirl]

I had Diesel and Darcy in July last year when they were about 18months old, brother and sister from rescue. They have always played rough together and sometimes Diesel stands away from Darcy and air snaps a bit like the crocodile in a Punch & Judy show. I always saw this as him trying to instigate play and was harmless.

Well over the last few days it has changed slightly I always make them sit and wait before I open the door for walks and whilst sitting he has started air snapping. This morning they were sitting while I was preparing their breakfast and he started air snapping just a few feet for me. I am inclined to ignore it andf just see it as natural exurbarence and impatience but I went on to another forum last night and some people see it as more of a problem than I initially thought.

So what should I do? I have to say he has the most lovely temperment and is very friendly and loving, when you give him a treat he always takes it so gentley.

 

[CAYLA]

Is it aimed towards her? dogs air snap for a few reasons one with excitement, and you describe these situations which are exciting instances.
If you feel it is towards her then nip it in the bud and give a short sharp reprimand to show your displeasure with this behaviour and that fact it will not be tolerated or remove him for time out in the instances.
It sounds like excitement, does he wave his head around like stevie wonder when doing it (sorry) best way I can describe it

 

[Dobiegirl]

Cayla no head bobbing he sometimes bows tail wagging and air snaps when she is some distance from him and she runs towards him and play fights. She bites him hard sometimes and he then gets a bit aggressive towards her but she is a typical woman always wants the last word and why not. Sometimes she runs into a hedge turns round and air snaps towards him. They do not do this with any of their doggie friends and its only ever in the garden.

Ive never had this with either of my other two Dobes and I would say even though they are just over 2yrs old they are very puppyish.

 

[CAYLA]

The 2 weims we walk do it, and it's play initiation/excitement for sure between those 2, some dogs will also air snap at the presence of something exciting, my whippet x grey used to do it in play with humans she was never anyhwere near said person, she would run around in cirlces doing it in the middle of the room, I could actually initiate her to do it by making a snapping noise with my own teeth (strange) but she would gallop around air snappin with me lol. It does sounds like play initiation, but if you are worried then I would put in a reprimand even if it is a firm "voice reprimand".

 

[Dobiegirl]

If I hadnt been reading about it on another forum I dont think I would be worried.

He is such a big softie and Ive never felt it could escalate into anything else as his coat and hackles dont raise and I felt he was just trying to instigate play or just excitement.

Thank you Cayla for taking the time to reply to me as I know youve had a very rough 24hours, its very much appreciated.