My 7 mo. old GS sucks on her pet cushion anytime that she is in her kennel. Does anyone know why she would do that? One trainer told me it was because she was weaned too early. At 1st I thought she only did it when she was sleepy but now I realize that she does any time that she is in the kennel.
Carol Boche Webboard User Reg: 10-30-2005
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Wanda,
I have a 6 yr old Dutch Shepherd who "sucks" on stuffed toys. He gets worked regularly and also gets LOTS of exercise. Since I got him as an adult, I am not sure when he was weaned.
Seems to be a pacifying behavior. Not one I particularly like so I try to interrupt it as much as I can.
Have you tried giving her something safe to chew on to keep her busy in her crate?
Until The Tale of the Lioness is told, the Story will Always Glorfy the Hunter
Carol Boche Webboard User Reg: 10-30-2005
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Well, at least she is not destroying things.
I am not sure what to offer up here as with Rock, it keeps him quiet and in one spot. If it is not a stuffed toy it is a tug, edge of his pillow or something else he can wrap his mouth around.
Corrections did not work per say, as when I leave him in his crate in the vehicle he would be doing it when I got back. If I take everything away so he cannot do it, he destroys things like crates, furniture and what not.
I have an aluminum crate in which I can put him in and that works, but if he is in there for too long he vomits and poops in there.
Since it does not seem to do any "damage", I just deal with it.
(background: this dog had severe issues from the previous home life he was in and has come a LONG way)
Until The Tale of the Lioness is told, the Story will Always Glorfy the Hunter
Reg: 08-29-2006
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I agree with the self-pacifying and possible early weaning theory.
Different species, but my oldest cat was a suckler as a kitten. I was told cats who are weaned too early may do this so possibly the sames goes for dogs?
Thought it was sweet behavior until I saw the kitty hickies on my neck and arms :shocked:
It really doesn't bother me that she does it but I can't help but wonder what causes it. I also wonder why she still continues to mouth me especially when she doesn't get her way. This dog is going to drive me to drinking more!
Carol Boche Webboard User Reg: 10-30-2005
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Loc: South Dakota, USA
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Quote: wanda bradsher
1 pot-bellied stallion (husband)
HAHAHA I need to remember that one.....
I agree that it is a pacifying behvavior, but not sure I agree with the "weaned to early" part.
All dogs will amuse or pacify themselves if A)left to their own devices, B)do not get enough time with their handler/owner or C)have so much energy even with good workouts that they just cannot help themselves.
Maybe some "sucking" pups/dogs do it due to being taken too early, but I would tend to choose one of the other three.
I am not saying that any of these apply to your dog at all, just trying to put out some "broader spectrum" thoughts.
Until The Tale of the Lioness is told, the Story will Always Glorfy the Hunter
Wendy Lefebvre Webboard User Reg: 12-08-2005
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Loc: Stoney Creek , Ontario, Canada
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I've heard the Weaned too early theory also. But like some not sure it holds any merit.
Is there any time that she doesn't do it?
I was just wondering if its possible that she's bored and has found a way to amuse herself. Have you tried putting in a stuffed Kong with her and see if that helps?
And how often is she exercised? As someone else pointed out it could be that she's not getting enough.
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