Puppies are really like babies in every sense of the word. Just like babies, they are very eager in exploring their environment. As such, they use the reflexes that are already developed in them (though not fully yet) to explore as much and as far as they want. However, do you have an inkling of an idea as to how they do their exploring?
Just like a baby, the most developed reflex that they have is their sucking reflex (correct me if I’m wrong with this). As such, they tend to explore their environment through the use of their mouth. As such, it is not a common fuss if they start or try to bite a lot or lick with whatever object that comes their way. And this thing is only normal. However, have you known that there is a fine margin with this normal behavior and the ones we could say as “too much”?
Yes, there is indeed a fine line between the normal biting and licking of a puppy to what some experts could consider as already beyond the normal. Well then, let’s take a look at what they have to say on this.
Licking begins when pups are born. Mother dogs lick puppies in order to clean them and to stimulate bodily functions such as defecation. As puppies grow, they in turn, begin to lick at their mothers to stimulate nursing. Later on, they lick at her face to obtain regurgitated food.
Dogs continue to lick at one another as they mature into adults. At times, it is a friendly social gesture and at other times, it is an appeasement signal that means, “I don’t want to fight.” It can also be part of grooming behaviour.
Licking becomes problematic when it bothers the owner or becomes compulsive and interferes with the dog’s quality of life. In those situations, redirect the dog to more appropriate options. Teach her to lie still next to you. Encourage other self-soothing options such as chewing a bone or licking at a stuffed busy toy. If the dog tries to lick at you, remove your attention by walking away.
Instead of chewing towels, the dog should be chewing bones. Owners need to ensure that their dog has access to a safe chew bone at all times. They need to reward the dog for chewing it. In this case, the dog needs to be rewarded for chewing its bone when lying on the towel.
Now that you have been made known of this, better try this at home if your pet is exhibiting the same problems as what they have presented here. If however, you want a more detailed explanation and demonstration as to how you’re going to do it, better yet read the website this article is linked to. Who knows? This might be the answer to your never-ending queries.