Key facts at a glance
- Dogs have a natural urge to chew, which can occasionally get the better of them when they are under-challenged and stressed.
- Light nibbling is a sign of affection and is used by dogs to groom each other, among other things.
- Snapping or pinching the teeth is an absolute taboo for dogs and should therefore be prevented at all costs.
Dogs have a natural urge to chew
It is in dogs’ nature to chew on objects. This behavior is particularly pronounced in some dogs. Additionally, boredom and stress can reinforce this instinctive habit in your four-legged friend.
With needs-based utilization and suitable chewing opportunities such as chewing snacks and chewing toys, you can ensure that the behavior does not get out of hand and that your four-legged friend does not destroy any furnishings or other possessions.
Nibble as a sign of affection
As a rule, however, the dog’s nibbling on its owner has nothing to do with its urge to chew. Instead, it’s usually a sign of affection.
This behavior can sometimes also be observed in dogs among themselves. There, the careful nibbling serves to strengthen the rank within the pack as well as to calm down and to care for the fur. Normally, lower-ranking animals always nibble on their superior conspecifics.
Therefore, if your dog nibbles you gently without hurting you, you can take his behavior as a compliment. The four-legged friend just wants to show you that he likes you and tries to care for your «fur» by nibbling.
When dog nibbling becomes a problem
Normally, a dog’s nibble is unproblematic and not painful. However, if the four-legged friend snaps a little harder, things will of course look different. After all, depending on the breed, dogs have an enormous biting force with which they can quickly cause serious injuries.
Firmly pinching or snapping your teeth is therefore a behavior that you must not ignore under any circumstances. Stop this behavior immediately and investigate its cause promptly.
Especially with very demanding dog breeds, such as the Malinois, this behavior is often a sign of under-challenging. Activities such as dog sports can help counteract this. Under certain circumstances, however, you may need the help of a dog trainer to break the habit of grinding your dog’s teeth.
Conclusion
As you can see, cautious nibbling in dogs is quite normal behavior with which your four-legged friend wants to show you his affection. As long as it doesn’t hurt you and doesn’t bother you, you can let it go without hesitation.
Firmer pinching, on the other hand, should be prevented, as should indiscriminate chewing on objects that are not intended for this purpose. Needs-based utilization, enough attention and permitted alternatives such as chews or chew toys can help in this situation. However, if necessary, you should also not hesitate to seek advice from an experienced dog trainer.