Why is my dog chewing on blankets? (2023)

Is it normal for dogs to chew on blankets?

Give them their own blanket

Chewing is a completely normal behavior in dogs, so it can be challenging to train against their nature. One option is to provide the dog a blanket that is theirs and okay to chew (assuming their interest isn't in eating the blanket).

Sometimes, dogs compulsively lick, chew on, or suck at fabric. Most experts think this is a sign of premature weaning. If your dog engages in fabric sucking, and distraction isn't easy, then it's definitely become a problematic behavior.

Dogs nibbling blankets and bedding may be doing so to self-soothe when stressed or anxious. A dog nibbling on a plush toy may also use it for comfort. Cobbing is only a problem if it becomes excessive or if your dog is so itchy that they break skin chewing on themselves.

Boredom and Anxiety

Without regular walks, toys to play with, and other enrichment activities, dogs may become destructive out of boredom, or to get a reaction from owners. Similarly, if your dog experiences separation anxiety, bed chewing can manifest as an anxiety behavior.

If your puppy is teething, there are special chew toys made just for that. Another option is to spray your pup's blankets and bedding with a chew deterrent. Sprays containing things such as bitter apple and bitter cherry are available at most pet stores.

Anxiety or Stress

Stress leads to repetitive, destructive behavior in dogs. It's similar to how humans bite their nails when stressed: damage isn't the intent, but it is the result. Dogs are attempting to self-soothe when they destroy their beds, while alerting us that something is wrong.

Instead, punish your dog for chewing by scolding them and confiscating whatever they were nibbling on. Offer toys or chewing treats as a substitute that will keep them busy for hours on end. This will teach your dog that they should chew on only what they are allowed to, and help them satisfy their urge for chomping.

Your dog is bored, stressed, or anxious.

As with little kids, dogs have a hard time knowing how to direct boredom, pent up energy, or stress. Often they resort to some sort of compulsive or obsessive behavior like chewing or digging. These behaviors act as a relief valve for pent up stress and anxiety they're feeling.

Nooking is a behavior (some say it's a Weimaraner-specific character trait) in which a dog, both puppy and adult, kneads and sucks on their bedding and stuffed toys.

By putting his paw on you whilst you are petting him, he is expanding contact and reciprocating affection back to you. While this act can be interpreted as an expression of love, your dog pawing at you can also be credited to numerous other feelings. He wants to play, he wants food, he's anxious, or may be in pain.

Why does my dog stare at me?

Just as humans stare into the eyes of someone they adore, dogs will stare at their owners to express affection. In fact, mutual staring between humans and dogs releases oxytocin, known as the love hormone. This chemical plays an important role in bonding and boosts feelings of love and trust.

Dogs are naturally attracted to the scent of our blankets. After all, they smell just like us, and your dog finds comfort and safety in snuggling up with your blanket when you aren't around. Additionally, the act of licking itself is calming for dogs and helps to reduce stress levels.

Chewing and destructive behaviors may also be a response to anxiety. Dogs that are confined in areas where they are insecure may dig and chew in an attempt to escape.

Is chewing mental stimulation for dogs? Absolutely! Chewing requires concentration and focus, which is why dog toys provide such a great outlet for mental stimulation. A durable dog toy can be used for both independent play, and to encourage social play with other dogs.

The desire to investigate interesting objects and the discomfort of teething motivate puppies to chew. Much like human infants, puppies go through a stage when they lose their baby teeth and experience pain as their adult teeth come in. This intensified chewing phase usually ends by six months of age.

Chewing provides a nervous, bored, or lonely dog with an outlet for its emotions. To an anxious dog, the repetitive act of chewing is soothing – it's the doggie equivalent of comfort food. Dogs that do not get enough exercise often use chewing as a way of burning up nervous energy and giving themselves something to do.

Sudden behavior changes in your dog can be concerning, whether it's an aversion or fear of something they used to enjoy — think rough-housing with other dogs or daily trips to the local dog park — or a new habit that's appeared out of the blue, like barking out the window or guarding their toys.

Are Dog Boops Safe? A boop shouldn't hurt your dog, so long as you're being gentle with your approach. Just keep in mind that while your dog might enjoy this moment of connection, too much of a good thing might annoy them.

Do dogs remember their mothers?

Dogs will remember their mothers and their siblings, mainly if they are still relatively young. Sadly, there is not much you can do about it. However, if you try to build up your dog's bond, you will eventually become their new family. This means that while the memory may remain, they won't miss them as much.

A dog, while cobbing, will peel back their upper and lower lips and use their front teeth to gently nibble on you. This action resembles the human action of nibbling at a corn cob with your front teeth, hence the name “cobbing.”

The function of this behavior is to confirm a relationship rather than to settle a dispute. The more self-confident individual will muzzle grab a more insecure opponent and thus assert its social position. The more insecure individual does not resist the muzzle grab.

One of their cutest manners is called The Pibble Nibble (AKA corn-on-the-cobbing, or even ninnying), and it's when your dog nibbles with front teeth. It's a sort of teeth chattering, almost shivering, nibble.