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Boomer Robert

Every night at bedtime I have to lick my sister's ears for several mintues?

Mom tries to get me to stop but I'm right back at it as soon as she turns away?
Why in the world would I be doing this ????
I'm a Westie/Lhasa Apso and my sister is a Cocker Spaniel / Dachshund mix.

?????? Please help my Mom, she is going nuts???????


Asked by Boomer Robert on Jun 11th 2009 Tagged licking, behavior, problems, westie, lhasaapso in Other Behavior & Training
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Katie

Hi Boomer Robert!

You are most likely engaging in a self-soothing behavior, similar to a toddler sucking his thumb or rubbing his blanky. Also, licking the ears or lips of another dog is a sign of affection and submissiveness, as in "I mean you no threat." So you may also be soothing your sister as you both go to sleep. Or, you could smell an infection or something "off" about your sister's ears, in which case a vet visit would be in order.

Does it bother your sister, or does she accept it? Is it new behavior? Is it becoming obsessive? Has the amount of time spent in this activity increased lately? Have there been any changes in the household? If your human mom is really going nuts, she should consult a trainer/behaviorist to assess the situation and give professional advice. But if it's not causing any problems, and hasn't increased in frequency or intensity, I'd say it's just a bedtime ritual that provides both of you a way to drift off to sleep peacefully.

I hope this helps!


Katie answered on 6/11/09. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 1 Report this answer


Kayak

I remember taking Kayak and Maxi to the vet and she commented on how clean both of their ears were and I must be diligent in my dogs ear care. I told her I did nothing of the sort, and that they do it to each other. I asked her if this was ok and she said "It;s great, less work you have to do." I see them doing this and it it rather affectionate and each one seems tpo enjoy it. Embrace the fact that it is one less thing you have to do in the task of dog ownership. They are grooming and love each other. I wouldn't worry about it for a second.


Kayak answered on 6/11/09. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


♥ DEOGIE ♥

If it doesn't bother his sister, the one he's licking than I say let him do his thing.
He loves her and licking is a sign of affection.


♥ DEOGIE ♥ answered on 6/11/09. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 1 Report this answer


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