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Air snapping?

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214 views 2 replies 2 participants last post by  SierraKami  
#1 ·
I have a six month old Sheltie puppy who will sometimes air snap at me or at my other dogs. Usually it's when she's very excited, but sometimes it's immediately after I've asked her to do something that she finds challenging or stressful.

For example, she did it this evening after a grooming session. She had to wait on "place" (which is a very challenging command for her) while I groomed her brother, then I switched dogs and groomed her. She behaved well through a series of commands and tolerated me working through a matted spot and messing with her ears and paws. Then, after I released and praised her, she leaped in the air and air snapped at me.

She doesn't air snap while she's doing the challenging tasks or while she's being subjected to unpleasant stimulus. She only air snaps after she has been released and praised.

I don't doubt that she has the potential to actually nip people under certain circumstances, but I don't get the impression at all that the air snapping is a precursor to or warning of a bite. Her body language does not give any indication that she's aggressive or fearful.

So what's up with the air snapping after she's released? Is it a behavior that I should be concerned about, or is she just being expressive or blowing off steam?
 
C
#2 ·
One of my dogs uses air snapping as a silent bark. He is prone to demand barking. His air snaps come in situations where he would normally bark in excitement, especially when he would demand bark. He will circle in front of the door, snapping, when he thinks we are about to go on a walk. He will also stare at me, snapping, during games of fetch when I haven't yet thrown the ball.
 
#3 ·
That sounds pretty adorable, actually!

Funny you should mention the barking because she does often bark once at me when she's amped up during training and I give her the release cue. She's a stereotypical Sheltie in terms of barking and she always has a lot to say.
 
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