Should I Be Worried About My Dog?

**Miaow** · 22-12-2005 06:51

Hi All,

Just a Q here - my dog which used to be inside a lot has been outside now mainly since the baby came home (hes alowed inside at night when shes in a different area of the house though) is doing something strange which I'm not sure I should be worried about.

Everytime he sniffs something shes lain on like her rocker or playmat, and sometimes when he sniffs her foot or something if holding her, he really licks his lips - last night he was doing this escessively? He isnt allowed near her when hes inside and hasnt really smelt her too much (since the 1st time I noticed this behavior).

Hes ok with younger kids though hasnt been around young babies before now - Is this behavoir something I should really worry about or would be be doing it for some 'innocent' reason?

**tickle** · 22-12-2005 07:31

Sounds like normal doggy stuff to me!

My dogs often do this after smelling things, especially new things.
I think they are just using an added sense (taste), to get a feel for what it is, if that makes sense?
I think they are just tasting the smell.

Maybe someone else has a better explanation for you......but I've noticed most dogs do it.

**Shazbutt** · 22-12-2005 07:50

I agree with Happy Lady. It seems normal to me, and i think he's just checkin' stuff out. Maybe let him smell her and see her a bit more when you are supervising. He might get used to her a bit more? Just a suggestion.....

**Miaow** · 22-12-2005 08:32

Thanks for that

- I was a little over worried I spose. I've never noticed him lick his lips like that before after smelling something (unless food) and I spose seeing him do that after smelling EJ looked a little worrying..

**Sarie** · 22-12-2005 08:34

It's a dogs normal way of communicating through touch and smell. I wouldn't be concerned, but having said that I never leave my kids alone with our dog. They can always be unpredictable.

**Jaileth** · 22-12-2005 09:32

Why don't you let him have a really really good sniff of her? You can hold onto her, and have your dh or partner around to control your dog (just in case).

Dogs are very curious animals - and he wants to know who his new 'pack member' is - other wise, hows he going to protect her?

**Sarie** · 22-12-2005 09:34

And it will protect her.
Our dog was attacked about a month ago and now when we're down stairs she sits by the fence on guard watching the dog that attcked her. She won't come away till we all go upstairs.

**Jaileth** · 22-12-2005 11:35

Thats pretty cool. We had cats that would do that to my sister and I when we were little - although we never tried to leave the yard.

**annsam** · 22-12-2005 11:39

We also let our dog sniff the bub when he was brought home and sniff his clothes etc. Our dog licked our lads feet a lot when he was very little. Its just their way of getting the scent and learning about the new addition.

**reAllytee** · 23-12-2005 21:32

This is very normal & if you actually let the dog lick bubs feet its something they can then understand. Licking is usually a submissive move by a dog as in saying ok your boss & above me in the pack so if your dog did this with bubs it will then know its below bubs in the pack. Which is a big thing as you dont want them to become dominant of bubs as thats when it leads to trouble.
As long as your doggy gets all the attention it needs & deserves while bubs is around then you will all live happily together as everyone knows their place in the pack.