"Preening"

[jimbo]

Can anyone explain if my dogs behaviour is usual for boxers?

He runs his teeth in a preening action up and down my arms, legs and other parts of the body. It isnt a bite but can on ocassion nip, and when I tell him NO , he looks at me with incredulity.

Someone from Boxer Rescue said it was known as "Gumming", can anyone throw some light on this behaviour and why he does it?

 

[AvalancheBoxer]

I am curious on this one as well. Mine do it, but I say they are "biting our fleas" LOL:D

 

[spowam]

Ashley does this to me too, especially when I scratch her on the back in her "spot" :p . My aunt had 2 small dogs 1 poodle and 1 terrier mix they also did this to us & we always called it de-fleaing... I think its pretty normal..... and it tickles too!!

 

[Tulsa-Dan]

Maggie does this too. I call them "corn on the cob kisses"

 

[avts1977]

Winston does this when he gets excited! Only he gets a little carried away sometimes and we have to re-direct him.

Our foster, Samson, does it, too. Since his gums are overgrown in the front, you can barely feel the teeth.

We call Winston's "nibbling" and Samson's "gumming". Apparently it's pretty common in boxers - I've heard it's a sign of affection. Winston also does it to Cheyenne.