Ear Sucking

Dear Bailey,

I have three female Shih Tzu dogs - I was concerned about the mounting of the same sex and read your reply - thank you!!!

But I have a question about one female Shih Tzu sucking another female Shih Tzu's ear: she sucks it so much it is completely wet! What is she doing this for?

Sincerely,

GiGi Channel

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Bailey's Reply:

Dear Gigi,

It's difficult to say exactly why your dog may be doing this based on the information you've provided. Canine ear-sucking is not something a Sheltie like me can completely comprehend! It could possibly be one of many things:

• Depending on how you respond, it may be an attention-seeking behavior.
• It may be a response to anxiety.
• It may be a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

You should watch if your other dog is accepting of the behavior or not. If they get along with the behavior present, then there's no harm in the ear-sucking.

If the ear-sucking is something that antagonizes the other dog, or is something that you feel needs to stop, then contact a qualified Canine Behavior Therapist (not a dog trainer!) in your area for assistance.

Sniff ya later!

Bailey

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