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Dogster

Ear Sucking?

This is a place to gain some understanding of dog behavior and to assist people in training their dogs and dealing with common behavior problems, regardless of the method(s) used. This can cover the spectrum from non-aversive to traditional methods of dog training. There are many ways to train a dog. Please avoid aggressive responses, and counter ideas and opinions with which you don't agree with friendly and helpful advice. Please refrain from submitting posts that promote off-topic discussions. Keep in mind that you may be receiving advice from other dog owners and lovers... not professionals. If you have a major problem, always seek the advice of a trainer or behaviorist!

Max

Tail Wagging- Head Held High

Barked: Tue Aug 19, '08 8:50pm PST


	Yes I said Ear Sucking, Max loves to suck the ears of our friends dogs? It's strange to say the least....There is some shewing but usually it just makes the ears slimy? What would cause this and how do I keep him from doing it?

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Moose

Purebred Mutt

Barked: Wed Aug 20, '08 12:16am PST


	You need to interrupt him in the act. You can ask your friend if they would mind spraying bitter apple on their dogs' ears. Give him a good chew toy too. A kong stuffed with peanut butter is a great alternative! Make sure to let him get enough exercise, as bored dogs will demonstrate strange behaviors. If all else fails, keep him away from other dogs that he might want to do this to.

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Max

Tail Wagging- Head Held High

Barked: Wed Aug 20, '08 4:19am PST


	We do not allow this to continue I just wondered why this would happen, It is strange?

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Olive

Olive the Other- Reindeer

Barked: Wed Aug 20, '08 9:51am PST


	Is it possible that the other dog has eat mites? My dogs caught them a few weeks ago (ick!) and they were really into sucking/licking each other's ears until it cleared up.

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Fungi, BH

Zoom-Zoom-Zoom- Zoomiiieeesss!!!

Barked: Wed Aug 20, '08 11:11am PST


	Olive has a good point. Romeo used to constantly try to lick my old shar pei's eyes (he required ointment for them). And Romeo is just getting over a slight yeast infection and Fungi had been trying like crazy to lick his ear. Does your pup do this with all other dogs or just your friend's?

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Max

Tail Wagging- Head Held High

Barked: Wed Aug 20, '08 11:32am PST


	We have had the dogs checked, and it is any dog around....this crazy dog!

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Cash TT

I got the best- Fur Coat on the- Block!

Barked: Wed Aug 20, '08 12:29pm PST


	I remember watching a show on NatGeo about orphaned and baby elephants, and they had a tendency to suck on each others' ears. I've also heard about some Dogsters whose pups sucked on THEIR ears! I imagine it's a suckling thing- some pups find conslation in the nursing action of suckling. Maybe your pup was taken from his mummy before he was weaned, or perhaps he finds his new pal like a mothering figure and can't fight the urge to treat him as such. If there's no illness, no mites and the other dogs ( and you!) don't mind, then I don't see a point in ceasing it. The pup is happy suckling, and if the other dog doesn't mind... then so be it.

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Max

Tail Wagging- Head Held High

Barked: Wed Aug 20, '08 3:43pm PST


	I was just afraid it would cause a fungus or something? And it's strange!

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Cash TT

I got the best- Fur Coat on the- Block!

Barked: Wed Aug 20, '08 4:31pm PST


	If it doesn't ever get a chance to dry, maybe... Think of it like a little kid sucking on his thumb. Gotta get that "thumb" out of his mouth sometime- so engage your pup in something else to let his pal have a break- maybe he'd like a chewy toy, or a game to entertain his mind..

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