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Post by Avansa on Mar 22, 2013 20:29:08 GMT
In the back of the April edition of YD there is a page on dogs who suck and knead their bedding. We were quite interested to see this as Finn does it quite often and we've always wondered why! Does anyone else have a dog that does this? What are your theories on why they display this behaviour? Here's a video of the little cuddle bug in action www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152670507390300&l=2221100472503626518
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Post by scallywag on Mar 22, 2013 20:40:05 GMT
Hi Beau does this too, he is our first dog to do this , I just put it down to it being his comforter
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Post by petitsfilous on Mar 22, 2013 21:08:21 GMT
It's a comfort thing
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Post by Avansa on Mar 22, 2013 21:14:46 GMT
Those are my feelings too. Kind of like a child sucking their thumb xD
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Post by Jessie99 on Mar 23, 2013 0:08:38 GMT
My dogs don't do it but one of my cats do and he drools and kneads on you when cuddling you. It is said that they do it out of adoration and comfort basically, so don't worry and don't be freaked out either, its just a comfort thing!
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Post by charlottte on Mar 23, 2013 8:34:30 GMT
I'm sure YD said that it was like suckling from the mother which makes sense really as domestication and breeding helped keep them in a juvenile state. I also think its a comforter, Jasper doesn't do it but he does sometimes just carry socks or certain toys around the house. He'll bring them to you but then doesn't drop them to play, he'll just lie down next to you and hold them. It looks adorable.
I watched the video on Facebook, I melted inside it was so adorable!
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Post by BorderTerrier on Mar 23, 2013 9:28:45 GMT
Yes, I also thought YD said it was like suckling a mother. It's comforting for the puppy especially on the first few nights to suckle his/her blanket or bedding.
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Post by fatamorgana on Mar 23, 2013 11:36:34 GMT
It could also be a stress reliever. Displacement behaviour?
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Post by Avansa on Mar 23, 2013 12:02:30 GMT
I agree that in some cases it could be displacement behaviour due to stress, but I don't think that's what it is in Finn's case. He seems to do it just before he sleeps or just when he's quite tired - think it's more for comfort with him
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Post by scallywag on Mar 23, 2013 12:07:35 GMT
I agree that in some cases it could be displacement behaviour due to stress, but I don't think that's what it is in Finn's case. He seems to do it just before he sleeps or just when he's quite tired - think it's more for comfort with him Beau only does it when he decides to have a me time in his basket, he's so funny, he gets in his basket, does all the making of the bed thingy, kicks out his comfy, settles down then his head comes out the basket and drags his comfy back in with him, well I think he is funy to watch, here's another trick of his
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Post by Avansa on Mar 23, 2013 12:36:06 GMT
Haha, I think Beau and Finn would get on very well! they both seem to have strange little quirks that make them unique - and both have gorgeous wispy hair on top of their heads
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Post by Jessie99 on Mar 23, 2013 16:40:14 GMT
My Cocker Spaniel, Roman makes his bed by digging it around and stuff Hahaha, he also sleeps with his favourite toy, his teddy moose called Moosey! Hahahaha! My Westie, Charlie Boy likes to grab a corner of the quilt (he likes to sleep in my bed) and rolls over in the bed to make himself all nice and warm, hahah, its funny because I never even taught him to do this either, he just does it! Hahahha!
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Post by gladys on Mar 23, 2013 17:48:10 GMT
Avansa - Cooper still has his bear that came with him from the breeder. It's the only stuffed toy that is still standing. Although he has a very misshaped head and no ears. This is down to him sucking the bear as he goes to sleep. I believe it's from suckerling on mum when young and a comfort thing. I think it's quite cute and I love it when he does it.
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Post by smokeybear on Mar 23, 2013 18:33:42 GMT
There is a genetic component to this behaviour and, if done to excess, can be OCD.
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Post by gladys on Mar 23, 2013 19:22:55 GMT
Cooper doesn't do it everyday. Seems to be if we are at my folks or if his really tired, he finds his bear and goes to sleep.
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