Many pet parents have wondered: do dogs knead? It’s a behavior commonly associated with cats, so it may seem strange for dogs to exhibit this behavior as well. However, the reality is that dogs do knead, and if you’ve ever found yourself questioning whether or not your dog is kneading, the answer is likely yes.
Now that we’ve addressed that question, let’s delve into why dogs knead and explore how we can manage this behavior if it’s causing damage to our homes, furniture, or gardens.
Why Do Dogs Knead?
Similar to other canine behaviors, there are several reasons why dogs knead. By understanding these reasons, we can gain insights into what might be driving our furry friends to exhibit this behavior.
Marking Territory
In a previous article, we discussed why dogs cover their poop. We explained that when dogs scratch the ground after doing their business, their paws release pheromones that create a unique scent. By kneading, dogs leave behind these pheromones, marking their territory on items such as pillows, blankets, or even the grass in our backyards.
Ensuring Safety
Kneading also serves as a way for dogs to ensure their safety. By marking their territory, they establish certain spots as their own, deterring potential predators. While it may not make much sense in our domestic environments, dogs still retain some instinctual behaviors from their wolf ancestors, including kneading to safeguard their chosen resting places.
Temperature Control
Dogs also knead to regulate their body temperature, both in hot and cold weather. Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat, so kneading helps them cool down during the summer and create a cozy spot in the winter.
Coping with Anxiety
Some dogs use kneading as a coping mechanism for separation anxiety. When left alone and feeling anxious, they may gather clothing items that carry their parents’ scent and knead them. This behavior provides them with a sense of comfort and alleviates their anxiety.
Maternal Instinct
Female dogs may knead as a result of their maternal instinct. They instinctively try to create a nest-like environment and may knead their own bed or even yours. This behavior is not limited to pregnant or in-heat dogs; it is an inherent instinct in females.
Fulfilling Nursing Instincts
Puppies have an instinctual need to nurse from their mother’s breasts. If deprived of this opportunity, dogs may develop a behavior that fulfills that need. Kneading while sucking on objects like blankets can be a substitute for nursing, especially if they were deprived of it during their early weeks of life. This behavior is similar to humans sucking their thumbs or using pacifiers, but dogs don’t outgrow it.
Managing Kneading Behavior
While kneading itself doesn’t have any detrimental effects on dogs, we may want to control this behavior to prevent damage to our belongings. Here are some strategies to help manage your dog’s kneading behavior:
Addressing Anxiety
If your dog kneads due to separation anxiety, there are measures you can take to alleviate their distress. One effective approach is to provide your dog with calming treats approximately 30 minutes before you leave them alone. This can help them feel more relaxed during your absence. Additionally, you can explore other techniques to help dogs with separation anxiety.
Temperature Considerations
Ensuring your dog is comfortable in terms of temperature is crucial. During the summer, provide them with constant access to fresh water, avoid walks during the hottest hours of the day, and offer frozen treats to help them cool down. In the winter, ensure your home is adequately heated and consider providing extra blankets or even a dog sweater.
By maintaining a pleasant temperature, you can reduce the likelihood of kneading due to temperature control.
Offering Alternatives
Restraining your dog from kneading may not be necessary. Instead, provide them with an appealing alternative. If your dog enjoys kneading outside, designate a specific area in your backyard for them to indulge in this behavior. Through training, teach them to knead only in that designated space. This way, any resulting holes will be limited to the approved area, and your dog can still engage in an activity they find pleasurable.
If your dog prefers kneading clothes and blankets, consider giving them specific items they can knead without consequence. It’s beneficial to provide items that carry your scent, as it can offer a sense of comfort to your furry friend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stay tuned for answers to common questions about dogs and their kneading behavior.
Conclusion
Understanding why dogs knead can provide valuable insights into their behavior and needs. While it’s a behavior commonly associated with cats, dogs engage in kneading for various reasons related to their instincts and emotional state. By implementing strategies to manage kneading behavior, we can create a harmonious environment for both our dogs and ourselves.
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