09/11/2025
COBBING IN DOGS
Cobbing is when your dog nibbles themselves, you, another pet or an object with their front teeth. This can mean many things but certainly not an attempt at dominance.
Your dog "cobs" (gently nibbles) to communicate, show affection, self-soothe, get attention, or release pent-up energy and frustration. It can also be a normal grooming behaviour or a sign of underlying issues like boredom, frustration, anxiety, skin irritation, or a medical problem. Observe your dog's body language and the context to understand the behavior, and consult a veterinarian if it becomes excessive or causes skin irritation to rule out medical causes. If there are no medical issues, then please consult an ethical behaviourist.
Common reasons for cobbing include, but not limited to:
1. Affection - cobbing is often a sign of love and contentment, a way of reconnecting with family members.
2. Attention seeking - your dog might nibble gently to get you to play or give them attention.
3. Self-Soothing - it can be a comforting habit to help dogs relax and feel secure.
4. Energy release - cobbing can help dogs release energy or frustration without becoming overly excited.
5. Exploration - dogs may nibble on new textures to explore them.
6. Grooming - It can also be part of a dog's self-grooming routine or grooming another companion.
Watch for signs that the cobbing is excessive or problematic, which could indicate an underlying issue:
1. If it happens too often or for too long.
2. If the nibbling becomes forceful enough to cause discomfort, skin irritation, or pain.
3. If cobbing is accompanied by other signs of distress, such as anxiety, restlessness, or hiding.
4. Skin allergies, parasites, or other health issues can lead to excessive nibbling or cobbing.
5. If one dog is doing it to another dog or pet in the home, pay attention to the feelings and behaviours of the 'receiving' pet.
What to do:
1. Pay attention to the behaviour and your dog's body language to understand the specific reason for the cobbing. Context matters.
2. If you notice signs of excessive or problematic cobbing, schedule a vet checkup to rule out medical issues like pain, allergies or skin irritations.
3. If boredom or lack of mental stimulation is an issue, offer chew toys, puzzle toys, and interactive games to keep your dog engaged.
4. Teach your dog gentle cues like "leave it" or "gentle" to help reduce the pressue or to interrupt the behaviour, especially if the nibbling is directed at people or other animals.
5. When cobbing becomes too much, redirect your dog to an appropriate chew toy or another mental activity.
6. If your dog does it before you leave home or on your return, it could signal attachment issues or separation anxiety.
7. If you see one dog 'annoying' another pet with excessive cobbing, use barriers to create space and separation for them to recover.
As in every behaviour, there is no generic, one size fits all answer or solution to this behaviour. Every dog is different and behaviours are largely contextual with individual moods and emotions at play. Please ask an ethical behaviourist who understands emotions for assistance to assess the issue and make recommendations to improve their mood, emotions and behaviours.
