Nibbling with the front teeth.

Dianodhr

20/09/2021, 19:58

Report

Hi everyone,

I’m posting today with a bit of a strange question.

I’d just like to understand a certain behaviour my dog has that I’m really not sure how to interpret!

At the moment, my little lad won’t stop nibbling my arms, hands, or even everywhere, with just the tips of his teeth when we’re having a cuddle.

It’s not like puppy nipping at all; it’s more like he’s scratching with the ends of his teeth or as if he’s looking for 'fleas'.

It makes me laugh every time (though it does smart a bit sometimes 😅), but I really don't know if I should take it as normal nibbling, a sign of 'get lost, you’re doing my head in', or something else entirely!

Cheers everyone :)

Translated from French

The forum content is sometimes translated from another language, and posts may concern countries with different animal laws. Do your research before making any decisions.

Since the forum is translated by AI, the translations may contain errors.

8 answers

Sort by:

Sarahtattouille Icon representing the flag French

22/04/2023, 22:11

Report

My Border Collie girl does the same thing and she’s 7 months old..

She’s got the sweetest nature... she’s so lovely and I’ve been told it’s just her way of showing me affection! She’s so full of love that I don’t doubt it for a second.

I calm her down when she gets a bit too much, but I think it’s just her way of showing her love 🥰

Translated from French

Comment

Sofga

20/05/2022, 22:57

Report

You only need to have a quick look online. Mine does this when we're having our morning cuddle – he starts by nibbling my duvet and then does the same to my forearms, always while we’re snuggling. It’s just his way of showing you how much he trusts and loves you. It’s pure love, really! 😍🙂

Translated from French

Comment

Alysszen

21/09/2021, 09:27

Report

Hi there, My 10-month-old pup does this during our cuddle sessions. It’s her way of looking after you, grooming you just like she does for herself or even for the kittens we have. It’s absolutely adorable! As long as she doesn’t nip, I let her get on with it. She’s only ever nipped me once, and since she knows what “Ouch” means, one “Ouch” was all it took for her to adjust so she wouldn’t do it again (basically, learning to control her pressure better, as I knew she didn’t mean it).

Translated from French

Comment

Loulou345

20/09/2021, 22:38

Report

Hi, my dog does exactly the same thing... but more to herself. I reckon it’s normal, and I must admit I’ve never really stopped her from doing it either.

Translated from French

Comment

Marine22

20/09/2021, 20:43

Report

Might just be a puppy phase resurfacing during the teenage stage... but it definitely needs sorting.

My personal approach: 1) I redirect the nipping to a toy 2) if that doesn't work, I stand up and ignore them for 30 seconds, then come back.

I just keep repeating that on loop until the mouthing stops.

Translated from French

Comment