Re: Bizarre Behaviour

In Reply to: Bizarre Behaviour
Category:   Behavior Problems
Posted by:  Brad Molander
Posted on:  October 29, 2002 at 21:18:44

: We currently have 2 JRs, one male (Clyde - 20 lbs) and one female (Bonnie - 10 lbs). They are just at a year old right now and get along great. Bonnie is very dominant and the male submits every time. They are together 24 hours a day and even share the same crate while we are at work (If we put them in separate cages they go insane and injure themselves). They have developed two strange habits together however. First, Bonnie feels the need from time to time to scratch Clyde. She will use her mouth and go up and down his legs scratching them with her front teeth very gently. She doesnt hurt him at all, in fact he enjoys it. It is really weird to watch. I don't see how this is a submission tactic given she bosses him around 24-7 stealing his toys and kicking him off the food plate. Second, Clyde enjoys cleaning Bonnie's teeth on a regular basis. She will lift up her gums and he will go back and forth licking her teeth. I can see how this could be related to the pecking order but I have never seen this behaviour in dogs. Are these activities normal behaviour with JRs? Both are not serious behaviour problems because the dogs aren't causing damage to eachother. Any comments or ideas would be appreciated!

Response:

Hi Brad,

Well this breed can have some pretty peculiar quirks. I can't even fathom the leg scratching thing but the teeth licking is something based in wolf behavior. This is a form of greeting, affection and bonding and can also help pack members recognize the scent of prey on the other dog's mouth.

I have to admit I am a bit uncomfortable about crating these two together, especially as they mature. I have to assume they have been spayed and neutered but even then as they mature it's not uncommon for terriers that have been bosom buddies to go off on each other for some perceived slight. That being said you are the one that lives with them but just be cautious okay?