My dog tries to get her toy puppy to suckle and cries when its not happening. She has never had a puppy, so I'm worried about this behaviour and constant crying. Please advise what to do. Thanks

Has she been spayed?

You dog is being very maternal.

Take the toy away. She will search for it and she will be miserable, but obsessive behavior is not acceptable.

If she isn't spayed, get her spayed. This is the starts of a false pregnancy. False pregnancy can lead to really nasty diseases within the uterus.

If she is spayed, take the toy away and occupy her with something else, such as a training class or maybe up her exercise.

My dog is having the same issues with a small rubber dog.. but my dog has never mated with another dog.. she is almost 2 yrs old..
How does this lead to diseases?

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Originally Posted by tsan1

My dog is having the same issues with a small rubber dog.. but my dog has never mated with another dog.. she is almost 2 yrs old..
How does this lead to diseases?

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If she isn't spayed, she can get various kinds of cancer and other horrible diseases.

The behavior itself will not lead to disease. However, not having a female dog spayed leaves them open to serious uterine infections and reproductive cancers. Having the reproductive organs surgically removed makes for a healthier, happier pet.