☎ 732 685-9565

"Why does my dog suck on blankets and toys?"

anxiety dog training Nov 17, 2019
A small breed dog laying comfortably in a large fluffy blanket

It's all fun and games until you're woken up at 3am to the sound of your dog suckling on their blanket, or one of their toys. Or worse. Take a seat on a wet couch., your jeans soaking up cold dog slobber. It's probably around this point that you question what you've done wrong in your life, and why the Universe is punishing you.

Suckling on toys and blankets is actually a common dog behavior.. but why? and what can you do to stop it?

Like a baby with a pacifier, dogs will suckle on toys and blankets to self-soothe. Its reminds your pup of the feelings of being safe and warm with mom, suckling on her nipple. This self-soothing behavior is almost always a response to anxiety or stress and can be managed or even eliminated with the use of mental stimulation. Because of the need for oral fixation, we recommend a work to eat toy or a frozen marrow bone as an alternative to blanket suckling to occupy their minds and help them fall asleep.

Of course, this is seldom a destructive or dangerous behavior so if it doesn't bother you, let them have this form of self-soothing. It beats chewing the coffee table! And heed it as a potential symptom of underlying anxiety.

If you are struggling with your dog's anxiety and behavior issues Virtual Dog Training may be the perfect solution for you and your dog! We specialize in anxiety and behavior modification, and have been rated the #1 Virtual Dog Trainer in the United States by SniffSpot!

Our virtual dog training sessions are interactive and engaging, providing you with the support and guidance you need to help your dog overcome anxiety and behavior issues. You'll learn effective training techniques and strategies to help your dog build confidence and develop better coping mechanisms for stressful situations. Investing in virtual dog training is an investment in your dog's happiness and well-being. Don't let anxiety and behavior issues take over your life. Click here to learn more!