USVI-On-Line

Our beagle, Butkus, is about 14 months old. He does this odd biting type thing, although it is not really biting.

When he gets kind of cozy, he will nibble at my sleeve or some other article of my clothing...like he is eating corn on the cob. It is the same type of nibbling that he does when grooming himself. Is this dog trying to groom me? Is he being nice or should I be trying to stop this behavior?

Marcia says that we should sell him for scientific experiments, but I suggested we come here first for advice.

You need nothintolose to give advice. We don't have dogs, but my male cat does that to himself when he is very content, purring, when I pet him. He starts nibbling on his front legs. I know exactly what you are describing. One of my co-workers had her dog do this as well (to her). I think he just likes you alot . Hopefully the dog experts will help .

I would correct it but everyone is different.

Just make a high pitched "psst" noise and if needed a slight shrug of your arm hand.

Then praise of course.

Beagles are fun, love the name.

Pete - he's de-fleaing you. Marcia must not be doing a good enough job.

One common explanation for this is the preening (or grooming) instinct in animals. The "nibbling" action itself is a natural grooming behavior, more common in younger dogs, but when done to another in a dog's pack, it's a sign of subordination. Essentially the subordinate dog will lick, bite, and paw at the face or bodies of the dominate dog/pack leader to show respect and admiration.

LMG said
"One common explanation for this is the preening (or grooming) instinct in animals. The "nibbling" action itself is a natural grooming behavior, more common in younger dogs, but when done to another in a dog's pack, it's a sign of subordination. Essentially the subordinate dog will lick, bite, and paw at the face or bodies of the dominate dog/pack leader to show respect and admiration."

That is one very likely explanation.


I have not noticed these types of behaviors in the dogs we have had, but the cats knead and purr, sometimes drooling, when they are happy. I have noticed an increase in this behavior following illness or surgery - as if to say "I am so glad to be back with you".

I think that sometimes these behaviors reflect an emotional need. Didn't a family member go to college this year? Maybe Butkus is missing him/her and saying that he doesn't want you to go away too. Maybe a little more activity time with him will reassure him.
(just my untrained opinion)

I think that you are on to something, iprof. He does it most when I just get home from work. He gets goofy happy to see me and then starts "grooming" me. While it is annoying, it is sweet...in a way.

"goofy happy" in a beagle is a good thing... I had two!

... maybe time to take a walk or toss a ball when the "grooming" starts. (Just when you thought the kids were not needing you as much... )

We call it "preening" in our house. Not sure where we came up with that (?) but our Collie does that to me all the time when I'm showing her any kind of affection. No expert but I'd say that your dog just loves you. Ali~

My cat, Captain Jack does that all the time. It's definetly affection. His favorite place to do it is when I'm in the bathroom, believe it or not. I'm always scared he's really going to bite me, but he hasn't.

He just loves you!!

Mine don't do it, but I've heard it called "flea-biting" and that it is just like a pp said, a subordinate grooming you. Like so many things with dogs, probably a behavior that is not a problem and is not "wrong", but if you don't like it you should address it. If you anticipate the dog being around little ones much in its life, it is probably not something you want him doing to a baby or small child, so definitely worth addressing now. Some special one-on-one activity time should help.

just be glad you don't have a monkey.

I am thankful everyday that I don't have a monkey.

DELETED

... on a serious note,

real monkeys, cute as they are, are not pets nor toys


Gainesville has a sanctuary giving refuge to many monkeys coming from very sad circumstances - there is a waiting list.

http://www.junglefriends.org/

So....Pete, how was your weekend with Butkus??? Flea-free now?


(I support Jungle Friends, but I am not affiliated with the charity.)