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Suckling behavior
Does anyone have any research on dogs who suckle? I’ve done my own online research but from what I can find seems to be dogs who left the litter to early. But I currently have a 14 month old dog who was raised with a socialization program and didn’t leave the litter until 10 weeks who will suckle on occasion (no patterns to it). It is a sweet sentiment but is it detrimental to the dogs emotional development?
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23 Replies
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I don’t have any research articles but I have had 2 dogs with this behavior. I believe this is a self soothing behavior. It makes them feel safe and helps them deal with anxiety. My first case I had the client buy a thunder shirt and it worked very well. Normally I have not had success with thunder shirts but it worked in this case. My second case was more severe. The dog was sucking a blanket constantly and it was interrupting dogs quality of life. Ex: started not to go for walks. After ruling out medical issues by vet, I put the behavior on cue and then started not to ask for the cue. I sometimes use this same technique for excessive barking. The behavior then disappears when you don’t ask for it This technique worked but it took along time. I checked with a local training blog I belonged to and some trainers say they usually grow out of it and others say let them keep doing it as long as it doesn’t become to compulsive like flank sucking. My opinion on this is it is an anxiety issue. I am by all means not an expert on this behavior but if it were my dog I would try and narrow down what the trigger is if it is anxiety and go from there.
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Thank you for taking the time to reply! This was very helpful. She’s a herding breed called a McNab related to border collies so is generally more sensitive. I’ll try keeping notes of when she does it to better find a pattern. Thanks for your help ????
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I agree with what everyone else has been saying about it seeming to be a self-soothing behavior that is generally benign but occasionally shifts (or is pushed by environmental stressors like shelter life) into compulsive, self-harming activity.
Interestingly, my dog Gusto (likely also a Mcnab) is the first canine suckler too. I’ve seen the behavior in many shelter cats over the years but only known a handful of dogs who engage in it.
Gusto does a lot of repetitive licking, himself and people. There is where we have seen issues that needed to be addressed. When there are likely to be stressful situations for him, we preemptively provide a licki mat for him to focus on, which generally shifts him away from using his own forelegs.
I have read about flank-sucking canine compulsive disorder in Dobermans. It is more likely a coincidence than a pattern but I wonder if other breeds, such as our herding dogs, might be predisposed to suckling?
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Thank you for this! The herding breeds being predisposed, is a thought of mine as well. I know herding breeds in general tend to be more sensitive. Could sensitivity also play a rule?
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You’re pup is adorable btw 🙂
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Thank you! I do adore him though he is not the easiest guy in the world to live with…
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I agree with everything @bmacwatt said – especially the part about caution as it can develop into a compulsive behavior. It is important to become aware of the antecedents for this behavior if any. And if you are not able to easily interrupt the behavior and redirect the dog, you may want to consult with a veterinary behaviorist. Early is better than later, if you think it is leaning toward an OCD.
If it is simply a calming behavior and doesn’t last long and the dog is easily interrupted, then likely it’s not a big deal and your pup will outgrow it.
That said, these things tend to be genetic (especially the OCD) and it would be good information to gently share with the breeder and inquire if other dogs in their line have similar behaviors.
Meanwhile, if this were my dog, I likely would watch for “getting ready” behavior and redirect before the suckling begins. Perhaps give a great chew bone and remove the blanket?
It rather depends on the dog and the situation. … but those are my thoughts. Will you keep us posted?
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Thank you! I will definitely keep you guys updated!
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Thanks, Candace – look forward to your updates as you learn more about this and monitor the behavior.
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So, I believe I may have figure out a pattern to her suckling. She seems to do it when she is having a change in hormones. She initially did it as a puppy but then it went away. Then she started doing it again right before her first heat cycle. She’s now getting close to her 2nd heat and has started suckling again. Other than these times she has not shown any interest in suckling at least while I’m home or in front of me.
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Wow – that’s super fascinating, for sure. Are there any other behavior changes along her cycle?
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She does display some anxiety and sensitivity before her heat starts as well.
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That’s interesting too… and corresponds with the hypothesis that the suckling is a calming behavior for her. Have you tried anything to help her feel more comfortable during those weeks? For example, calming music, DAP diffuser, endorphin producing activity (FUN!) etc.?
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I’m currently doing a trial and error on what works for her now ☺️
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Awesome – please do keep us in the loop. I hope you can come to the Very Scary Things HoundTable – I’ll be posting on that in the Events channel this week- and share more information about what you are trying! Until then, please feel free to share here. It’s fascinating to learn together.
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Awesome! Thank you!
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I’ve never had a dog that suckled blankets so this might not relate to your dog. I did have a cat that liked shirts with smelly sweaty armpits, my neighbor also has had two dogs that liked the same thing. My guess is either they really like the smell or the salt. Another possibility is they knew they needed more salt and it was giving them whatever else they needed that maybe they lacked in their body?
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I have a 10 year old cocker spaniel. She was bred by a reputable breeder who passed away suddenly after the pups were born. The husband, who was grieving his wife, did nothing to socialize the puppies. I got her at 6 months and she had never been outside of the same room she was born in.
She was afraid of everything. I started her in obedience, rally and agility classes and those gave her a lot of confidence. She has always suckled on her toys, even at age 10 and you can tell it comforts her. But, she can be redirected and I never saw it as a problem. She has been an amazing dog for me, in spite of her difficult beginning.
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How lucky that dog is to have found you, Jen! It’s pretty amazing how far she came under your care and training, in spite of her isolated early months of puppyhood.
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She is such a good girl! I think a few things were in our favor. She will do anything for a cookie and has an intense desire to please. She will never be a “people” dog, and many of my friends in our classes have tried to win her over. She will take treats from them, and then go hide behind me after she eats.
She loves rally because I can talk to her the entire time. She loves heeling and almost smiles when I praise her. She will occasionally jump up while she is heeling when I praise her but I will take the point loss because I love how happy she is!
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She is so lucky to have you, @tripod_mom –
And, I think there should not be a point deduction for enthusiasm! 🙂
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beautiful pup! and is so lucky to have you!
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This is an awesome story, @Tripod_Mom -I hope you can attend our Oct HoundTable and share some of your insight on helping your sweet girl overcome her fears! (Announcement coming soon – watch the Events channel!)
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