Nibbling Hair & Ears

[Boxeraddict]

Baron likes to nibble our hair and ears. He will actually come up behind us when we sit on the floor and put his front paws on our shoulders. Then he will (try to) nibble away, or sometimes just rest his head on top of our head. Needless to say it is really cute and has provided some nice picture opportunities! Is this just something fun for him or is it possibly a dominance thing ?

Thanks for your thoughts! Wendy

P.S. - did a search on this but only came up with how cute it is

 

[conn]

well i cannot answer your question but i can tell you that Biggie does the same thing!!!! he gets right on my shoulders and tries to remove my hairband (if my hair is in a ponytail) although I have not seen him do this with anyone else and just assumed he liked my shampoo. He is a huge ear licker but not to his daddy and me, just to visitors...so maybe it is a dominance thing...anyone? anyone? beuler? beuler?

 

[Krikkit]

Is there any particular reason that this concerns you enough to think it is dominance?

FWIW, in well balanced dogs this is just nice, sharing thing and nothing to worry about provided you don't mind it

Sharon

 

[Evie&Adam]

Adam & Evie both LOVE to pull out pony tail holders!!! It doesnt matter if it is me, my girls or the neighbor kid!! Evie is so good at getting them out, she no longer pulls our hair. Both of them love to nibble on ears too!

If you sit on the floor at my house you with either loose your pony tail holder or get nibbled!!

:D

 

[Boxeraddict]

Sharon -
Nope- just didn't want to unknowingly lose the position of Alpha just because we think something is cute!

Perhaps this is just another adorable boxer trait? I don't remember any of my other dogs doing this....

Wendy

 

[Tulsa-Dan]

Maggie does this when she wants to play or is feeling "impish." I don't mind and I don't find any indication that it is a play for status or a dominance issue. Simply a boxer thing I think.

I consider it attention seeking behavior and I can choose to ignore it or I can choose to give in and play with her if I want. That way I maintain my status in the pack, but I don't mind if that is a way of getting my attention. She has to tell me in SOME way she wants something. So, I don't worry about it at all.

 

[Shaun&Patty]

Get that here too

Sasu does the same thing - to me, the female of the house, mostly. He will climb up right on top of me so that he can lick my ears, hair, or any exposed skin I have.

Patricia