Bite inhibition

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Bite inhibition, sometimes referred to as a soft mouth (a term which also has a distinct meaning), is a behavior in carnivorans (dogs, cats,[1] etc.) whereby the animal learns to moderate the strength of its bite. It is an important factor in the socialization of pets.[2]

Bite inhibition is typically learned as part of juvenile play behaviors, when the animal is still in the company of its mother and siblings: by biting each other during play, the young animals learn that biting a companion too strongly leads to the abrupt termination of play activities.[3]

In addition to its role in domestication, bite inhibition is also a significant part of the development of dominance hierarchy in wild animals such as wolves.[4]

References

  1. ↑ Domestic Animal Behavior (4th edition) by Katherine A. Houpt, Wiley-Blackwell Publications, 2005
  2. ↑ Before & After Getting Your Puppy: The Positive Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, & Well-Behaved Dog by Ian Dunbar, New World Library, 2004
  3. ↑ The Everything Dog Obedience Book: from bad dog to good dog -- a step-by-step guide to curbing misbehavior by Jennifer Bridwell, F+W Publications, 2007
  4. ↑ Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Volume 2: Etiology and assessment of behavior problems by Steven R. Lindsay, Iowa State University Press, 2001
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