Suckling behaviour during sleep

[Harley Quinn]

Hello! I apologize for my mini-hiatus from the forum - work has been very busy. And I am straight back asking questions

Harley is doing very well. She is the much-loved princess she has always been but I was googling suckling noises and behaviour during sleep and I found a few suggestions that it shouldn't still be happening. Harley suckles almost everytime she sleeps. She has always been an active and noisy dreamer but I was wondering if her suckling is indicative of something we need to address? She is turning 2 at the end of this month.

 

[kateincornwall]

I had a dog who did this too , even nibbled the edges of her bedding whilst asleep . If it isn't bothering you , I wouldn't worry about it , its a comfort thing xxx

 

[Jen]

Oh isn’t Harley an absolute BABE!

 

[Xena Dog Princess]

Xena still sleep suckles. I'm curious as to why it would be considered a bad thing? It's harmless, and it's not like it's a compulsive behaviour. I say enjoy the cute noises

 

[Emily]

Ella still does it and she's 3

 

[snowbunny]

Willow and Shadow did this for ages! Willow will still do it on occasion, but it's very rare. I think it's adorable and I wouldn't worry about it in the slightest.

Welcome back! I was wondering where you'd got to

 

[Anne123]

Finn still does this and he is almost 5...

 

[Harley Quinn]

Thanks, everyone. It is reassuring to know that well loved and cared for dogs do this. I know better than to believe everything you read on the internet but you all know the ongoing guilt I feel about getting Harley from a home of ill-repute. But the one thing I will say is that her mom was around when we went to see her and her mom had weaned them all. She was separated from her by 10 weeks, mainly because the pups were still trying to suckle (mainly because they were hungry, not only because they were lab pups)

Just after I posted the original post I managed to catch some dream suckling while she was sleeping next to me on the bed. Here is the video:

 

[Oberon]

Obi is six and he does this. He also sucks on his Lambies and Teddies (on their faces). I think it’s a self soothing/comforting kind of habit but there’s nothing wrong with that and it doesn’t mean the dog is or has been deprived in any way at all. I really wouldn’t worry about it

 

[Harley Quinn]

Guilty admission here - I did suggest to DH that we get her something to suckle on. Luckily he laughed at me.

 

[M.F.]

Snowie does all that, and also other incredible maneuvers with his muzzle in his sleep (very entertaining, we love it!). We notice he’s a more active dreamer after a hectic day (out and about meeting lots of dogs and new places)—I guess a way of processing the day?

If you want another Lab (just sayin’!), Snowie’s half brother lives in your city and will go out to stud next year. He’s a stunner, having all his tests done now, and from a *loving* home, and I’m guessing they will only pair him with a bitch from a loving home. Just in case you’re thinking about it...

 

[Harley Quinn]

Snowie does all that, and also other incredible maneuvers with his muzzle in his sleep (very entertaining, we love it!). We notice he’s a more active dreamer after a hectic day (out and about meeting lots of dogs and new places)—I guess a way of processing the day?

If you want another Lab (just sayin’!), Snowie’s half brother lives in your city and will go out to stud next year. He’s a stunner, having all his tests done now, and from a *loving* home, and I’m guessing they will only pair him with a bitch from a loving home. Just in case you’re thinking about it...

I swear I am going to smudge this lap top with sage or something, I was just saying to DH last night that I am so broody for a pup or a kitten. And this is complete overshare (but if not here, then where right?) but I am convinced that it is when I am ovulating. Some women may want babies, I want animals. But on a serious note, thank you for the info...just in case...

 

[Boogie]

Tatze suckles on her teddy’s nose

 

[Naya]

My Harley does that in her sleep too........as she is my first dog I presumed it was normal!

 

[Oberon]

Obi sucking on Pink Teddy.

 

[SwampDonkey]

All mine have done it to varing degrees I suspect humans may do it too. Doug was bottle fed as he came from a big litter and so he had an interest in anything teat shaped. I have spikie rubber rucksack which had to be kept away from him

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

My Rottie boys both did this their whole lives and I thought it was so sweet. Nothing scientific, but it's been my general impression that fosters do it too but only after they've properly settled in and are feeling good again after the stress of shelter.