sucking on blanket - Doberman Forum : Doberman Breed Dog Forums

silver3.8 · 12-07-2012, 11:12 AM

is my boy the only one that sucks on a blanket? its cute but i stop him all the time. must be a comfort or soothing thing for him.

falnfenix · 12-07-2012, 11:42 AM

a lot of people complain of this. take the blankets away if you're concerned.

HarvestMoon · 12-07-2012, 11:44 AM

My female likes to suck on toys and I think it's somewhat common among Dobermans.

LindaH · 12-07-2012, 12:08 PM

Has been determined to be inherited ocd behavior. I had a whole litter who would group up on a blanket and suck themselves to sleep. I always thought it was cute and let them do it. As long as he doesn't start chewing holes and swallowing pieces I wouldn't worry about it unless you just don't like it.

Wraith. · 12-07-2012, 02:00 PM

MY boy is like Linus straight out of Charlie Brown. He loves his binky and will haul it around throughout the day. However, the sucking only occurs when it's time to settle down for the night. From time to time, usually while I'm reading at night, he will share his binks' with me by nose pushing into my face and stepping back. He won't be satisfied until i grab it, hold it up to my face and make some sucking noises, thank him and hand it back. This seems to thrill him to no end as his eyes light up and he happily trots away with it to resume his session.

Sharly · 12-07-2012, 02:03 PM

Toorc has a sucky blanket. It's the ONLY blanket he is allowed to do this with and he does not chew at it so I don't every worry. He is actually using it less and less everyday. He is starting to find his toys and bones are much more fun

paisleys mom · 12-07-2012, 02:39 PM

It has got to be genetic to a degree; my boys father and grandfather are both suckers. He has a pillow that he uses, and he never uses anything else (or mistake one of "moms" pillows on the bed), he kneads like a cat and sucks on the pillow.

Rouleaux · 12-07-2012, 06:06 PM

My boy will suck on his pillows when he is in his crate. It seems to soothe himand normally occurs when it is time to settle down. I agree that it is an OCD behavior but it hasn't negatively effected him yet.

I noticed that a fellow doberman pup in our OB class was sucking on her flank. Must be common. Know that you are not alone!

RedFawnRising · 12-07-2012, 10:51 PM

It is genetic, and is OCD.

Correcting him for it may lead to increased anxieties and other issues.

I've never personally seen any correlation with lack of physical and mental exercise, either--it's plain and simple an inherited compulsion.

I had never had a Doberman with this, until a few years ago. I was like you at first, trying to redirect constantly, until it became clear to me this was OCD.

I think it was a year or two after that the first good study proving that came out.

Now, I just make sure she's not ingesting any pieces of the suckee object, and I live with it and everyone's calmer and happier.

sandy2233 · 12-08-2012, 12:04 AM

It is odd that "sucking"

got mentioned again. I thot Emily had bruised herself on the one flank somehow. When the vet looked at it yesterday, he noticed her other flank is starting to bruise too. Started out the size of a silver dollar, but now, the one side is as big as my palm. She just had bloodwork done 2 wks ago and we pulled blood again today. I left before the tests were done so I don't know what results are today. I try to redirect her when I catch her doing this, but I am at a loss as what to do for this. Add the huge loss of her hair due to the pred, she's looking like a rescue dog that's has not had care. I would be open to any suggestions as what to do.

LindaH · 12-08-2012, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandy2233

It is odd that "sucking"

got mentioned again. I thot Emily had bruised herself on the one flank somehow. When the vet looked at it yesterday, he noticed her other flank is starting to bruise too. Started out the size of a silver dollar, but now, the one side is as big as my palm. She just had bloodwork done 2 wks ago and we pulled blood again today. I left before the tests were done so I don't know what results are today. I try to redirect her when I catch her doing this, but I am at a loss as what to do for this. Add the huge loss of her hair due to the pred, she's looking like a rescue dog that's has not had care. I would be open to any suggestions as what to do.

Here are some sites with suggestions.

I could see trying the seratonin or maybe melatonin(my suggestion and totally not sure about it).
http://dcmetrovet.com/PDF/CanineCompulsiveDisorders.pdf

ASPCA | Compulsive Behavior in Dogs

http://www.dobermantalk.com/newreply...eply&p=1203714

silver3.8 · 12-09-2012, 04:37 PM

i think its cute and allows him to suck on his one blanket just as long as he doesnt chew. a lot of interesting feedback, thanks

spocksdad · 12-09-2012, 05:52 PM

Silver 3.8- May I kindly suggest you use the DT Forum "Search" feature at the top toolbar before starting new threads as this will in most cases direct you to previous helpful threads that will answer your questions.

Here is a good recent OCD Blanket sucking thread on your inquiry:
Blanket Sucking and OCD