Wanted to try to find an explanation for a habit that our nine month lab/collie mix is doing...

It's hard to explain, but she grits her teeth and tries to nibble on your pants or your shirt or arm, she doesn't bite or actually nibble on your clothes, only on the very top layer. She doesn't harm fabric, people or anything, but you can hear her teeth go a mile a minute and it tickles. It's kind of like she is eating corn on the cob but just going through the motions and not touching the corn at all.

Was just curious if anyone had ever experienced this type of behavior before with their dog. Is it a nervous habit? She's a very happy dog.

Thanks in advance for any insight anyone can provide.;) :)

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Originally Posted by labcolliemix

Wanted to try to find an explanation for a habit that our nine month lab/collie mix is doing....

It's hard to explain, but she grits her teeth and tries to nibble on your pants or your shirt or arm, she doesn't bite or actually nibble on your clothes, only on the very top layer. She doesn't harm fabric, people or anything, but you can hear her teeth go a mile a minute and it tickles. It's kind of like she is eating corn on the cob but just going through the motions and not touching the corn at all.

Was just curious if anyone had ever experienced this type of behavior before with their dog. Is it a nervous habit? She's a very happy dog.

Thanks in advance for any insight anyone can provide.;) :)

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My German Shepherd does this if you scratch (not pet) her. I asked the Vet and he said it's the way she's "wired," same way a dog will move its leg in a scratching motion if you are scratching it.

And, yes, it's EXACFTLY like she's eating corn on the cob -

Thanks so much for the quick response. Good to know someone else has experienced the same thing. Our dog actually does this even if you aren't touching her. She'll just walk up to you and do it.

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Originally Posted by labcolliemix

Thanks so much for the quick response. Good to know someone else has experienced the same thing. Our dog actually does this even if you aren't touching her. She'll just walk up to you and do it.

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I was JUST going to come back on this thread - I was watching my dog this AM and she was doing the same thing to her own leg. I don't know if she's scratching herself or what she's doing.

Maybe it's a nervous habit - ?

I once had a rescue dog who chattered her teeth all the time - I guess it was a nervous habit but she never outgrew it.

Greyhounds chatter when they are excited or happy.

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Originally Posted by froggy7

Greyhounds chatter when they are excited or happy.

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I never heard that before! Love to learn new things. Do you know why?

No idea why. But they don't do a lot of normal dog vocalizations, so it may be something they learn from each other in the track kennels.

Your dog loves you and sees you as a member of her pack. She is grooming you just like she would do to another dog. Watch some clips on wolves and you will be this behavior. You can also horses do it. Its her way of showing affection