Behavior if a continuum and except for tropisms and simple reflexes, it is highly individualized. Muzzle nudge, muzzle grasp, and regurgitation behavior may assume many variations depending on the individuals involved, context, environment, etc. The canine muzzle grasp and our gentle grasping the muzzle of our dog has nothing to do with the brutal grabbing of the dog by the muzzle as some dog owners do when venting their frustration. Our dogs may welcome us to muzzle-grasp them as a bonding activity. It is also in the repertoire of an individual to claim a resource (showing its dominant behavior in that situation). It is common in pacifying rituals, often at the invitation of the more vulnerable individual. It is one of those behaviors favored by natural selection for its essential functions and effectiveness. A dog displaying an unsolicited muzzle nudge too often may be a dog feeling insecure and in need of comfort. The muzzle nudge behavior shows friendliness. It is a vestige of behavior our dogs inherited from their ancestors when feeding the pups was a highly crucial trait and favored by natural selection. This behavior has nothing to do with nervousness, agitation, or illness as erroneously assumed by many dog owners. They will regurgitate not only toward their puppies but also toward unrelated puppies. It is not uncommon, though, for the nudging and licking to become so intense that the youngster sticks its nose in the adult’s mouth.Īlthough not as common as in nature, some of our domestic dogs also show the regurgitation behavior when given the opportunity. This is rare and due to the difference is the size of the dogs. On the second picture, the pup, not only nudges and licks the sides of the mouth of the adult, but it also sticks its head in. The pictures on these pages how the Husky yawning (pacifying behavior) and the little dog pawing it (yet a pacifying behavior) while attentive to its mouth. They all involve some nudging, and they focus on the mouth of the adults. They share the common element of originating in the satisfying of a primary need (food acquisition). Muzzle nudge, muzzle grasp, and regurgitation are connected. It ranges from pacifying to self-confident and dominant behavior depending on the variation, intensity and the individuals concerned. The muzzle grasp is not an aggressive behavior. In all cases, this behavior causes no harm and injury. Higher-ranking canines in a pack (wild and domestic) use another version of this behavior to make a point as to claiming a resource. Canine mothers use a version of this behavior to prevent their youngsters from suckling at the time of weaning. Adults muzzle-grasp youngsters, which often invite them to perform this ritual. The muzzle grasp behavior may have its origins in the muzzle nudge and regurgitation. They may direct their muzzle nudge toward any part of our body, most often though toward our face and hands. Our dogs will muzzle nudge us in many situations when they feel unsafe, somewhat pressured, or just in need of being reassured. Insecure or slightly fearful individuals will muzzle nudge their opponents, showing them their friendly intentions. The muzzle nudge later assumes a ritualized function as a pacifying behavior. It may occur voluntarily, though often it is the muzzle nudge of the youngsters that triggers it. Their mother is the first to regurgitate for them, but other members of the pack may also join in. Regurgitation behavior is shown by adult canines when they vomit recently consumed food right in front of youngsters. That is how infantile canines taste their first fast food. It may elicit regurgitation when accompanied by licking. The muzzle nudge is a typical canine behavior: one individual nudges the sides of the mouth of another. Later, they will frequently nudge to attempt to obtain something they want or to turn an unpleasant situation into a pleasant one. The nudging, achieving the desired result, becomes imprinted in their memories. Newborn cubs and pups nudge their mother’s tits to find a nipple and suckle the maternal milk, their only nutrition by then. Pacifying behavior (Latin pacificare, from pax = peace and facere, facio = to make) is all behavior with the function of decreasing or suppressing an opponent’s aggressive or dominant behavior. The canine muzzle nudge is a pacifying behavior.
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