Unusual habit

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Unusual habit

Posted : 6/21/2006 11:16:38 AM

I got Willie, a Bichon, when he was five weeks old. His mother had chewed one of his front paws off because the umbilical cord was wrapped around it. The breeder was going to have him put to sleep, so I took him. I had to feed him his milk with an eyedropper & his solid food on the end of my finger. Right from the start he began nursing the inside of my elbow. I don't know if this was like a human child with a pacifier or what. He is now almost 2 years old, and he's still doing it especially at bed time. He's never known he's handicapped & is so active it's unbelievable. He's very smart & has learned to sit up, beg, and dance. He also walks on his hind legs a lot. I have two older dogs & he has learned to manage them quite well. Does anyone have a suggestion for breaking him of this nursing habit without using force? I know he's very spoiled, but he's also a total joy.

Mic

Posted : 6/21/2006 11:34:21 AM

A little Bitter Apple on your elbow might work.

huskymom

Posted : 6/21/2006 12:31:00 PM

My Pint used to suck on my fingers. She was also very young when we got her. Too young really. 4 weeks was the guesstimate. She eventually grew out of it though. I think around the time she had pups. She had pups young too, on her first heat. Vet's advice if you can believe it. She was so sketchy as a young dog.