Expert: Susan Downes - 6/24/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hello...I have an American Pitbull Terrier (about 17 months old) and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier (about 8-10 months old--he was a stray and we cannot be sure of his exact age).  I have what seems like a silly question.  I have had dogs before but have never seen this behavior--often near the end of their play sessions they seem to drop to the ground and appear to nibble each other.  It is not hard biting but is remniscent of cats bathing one another.  I also know they are not doing so very roughly because the younger puppy often does this to me when we are snuggling in bed.  What exactly is this gentle nibbling behavior?  (Should I be concerned that I've allowed my puppy to do so to me--i must note that he does have bite inhibition.  He never opens his mouth to me in any other way except for this...)

ANSWER: It sounds to me like regular puppy behavior, testing and grooming. Due to their breeds, just keep an eye on them when they reach adulthood as both being males, one will need to establish dominance even though you are the Alpha dog in their pack. I do hope that you  have had the both neutered as this will make life a lot easier when they become adults.  I do recommend that you do not allow them to continue to play bite you, even though they are gentle now.  Both terrier breeds frequently have inbred aggression issues, so you must be sure to have a firm handle on the pack behavior. Let me know if this answers this question to your satisfaction or if you need further explanation. Your feedback is always important to us.  Thank you kindly.  Regards, Susan

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: My older dog is a female...They are well socialized with other dogs too--they go to a "doggie daycare" that specializes in socialization as opposed to "all out play".  I may have missused the word "nibble"--their teeth never actually grab skin while doing this...it's more like their teeth are above the skin and it's the front of the teeth that touch the skin when this happens.  I will not allow the young one to continue this behavior with me though...Thank you for your prompt reply and I appreciate your suggestion.

Answer
Hi Cori, Thanks for writing back. I think that I understand better what you are seeing. Does it look like they are, what I  call, "fleaing" each other?  It looks like the same thing a dog does to itself when it has an itch or a flea, where they use the front teeth in a rapid motion along the hair. If that is it, then it is an affection behavior.  And certainly nothing to worry about. I wish you the best and commend you for being a responsible Bull Terrier owner. Thank you.  Regards, Susan