Sometimes Ginko does it to Lilly. He’ll just walk up and start nibbling on her like an ear of corn, tiny bites in a row on her neck or shoulder or side. She seems to like it. Often, if she’s just been bossy to him, then she’ll race up and lick him like crazy, but she rarely nibbles on him. She also doesn’t nibble on Tom, but I think it’s because when she tried early on, he yelled “ouch.” And, then there’s me. Lilly likes to nibble on my head. And, I have no idea why.
But, it’s kind of sweet. She tends to get excited, leap onto the bed or sofa, and nibble on my head right near my temple. Sometimes she misses and gets an ear or a cheek, but mostly she just nibbles on my head. It doesn’t hurt. In fact, it’s kind of like a little pointy massage.
A few people have told me that I shouldn’t let her do it … the whole leader of the pack thing. But, others have said it’s simply a sign of affection (and extreme affection, at that).
Lilly seems to think it’s hilarious, and I don’t mind, so I guess it’ll continue, with me playing the role of cobb in chief.
If you know of a nibbler, let me know what breed because I’m beginning to think it’s a border collie thing. Although, I did hear about a saluki that nibbled.
I’ve known several dogs that do that. I’ve always taken it as a sign of affection. After all, it’s very different than being mouthy or trying to get you to stop doing something. I think it’s a grooming behavior.