The way dogs behave can be hilarious, strange, and sometimes just plain confusing! They’re pawing at their blanket so hard, you’d think they were attempting to burrow their way to Australia. Then, the next minute they’re sleeping sweetly. How much time have you spent wondering why your dog kneads his blanket like a cat, suckling it or carrying it around proudly in their paws?
Although these actions may appear arbitrary, these behaviors have deep emotional and instinctual significance. Let’s examine this adorable (and a little strange) dog habit and discover its true nature.
Why Does My Dog Hold a Blanket in Their Mouth While Kneading It with Their Paws?
When dogs push their paws into a blanket and hold it between their jaws, you’re seeing an intriguing fusion of instinct and emotional need. This may seem like a goofy routine, but it has deep significance for them.
It’s All Tied to Puppyhood
Once they are born, kneading their mother’s belly while nursing is one of the first things puppies learn to do. Out of instinct, this regular pawing motion encourages milk flow and creates feelings of comfort and attachment. Because this behavior is so deeply ingrained in a dog’s early sense of comfort, it persists into adulthood.
Why the Blanket?
“Why a blanket and not, for instance, their bed or their toy?” you may be asking yourself. Well, blankets are supple, textured, and comfortable to hold. They are the ideal substitute for fur. So, dogs are likely to find the repetitive kneading motion and the tactile feel of the cloth to be soothing and naturally “right.” It’s similar to their favorite comfort food (but without the calories).
These days, it seems like adult dogs are reliving those warm, loving puppy moments when they knead and hold a blanket. The blanket replaces the warmth and security they experienced with their mother.
What Does It Signify When Dogs Knead with Their Paws?
Dogs aren’t merely wiggling their paws at random when they knead. Really, their behavior is more motivated by a specific factor, depending on the context. For instance:
A Sign of Contentment
Let’s start by addressing this: kneading is typically an indication that dogs are feeling pretty good. They’re most likely telling you, “Hey, life’s pretty great right now,” if they’re pressing their paws into a pillow, blanket, or even your lap.
It’s just a small physical outlet for their mental state, much like how people may sway or tap their feet when they’re content and at ease. So, if your dog is kneading away during your movie night, you can be sure they’re in their happy place.
It’s Instinct, Too
Kneading has deep roots in canine instincts and isn’t only about feelings. Dogs had to make their own comfortable resting spaces long before they were couch-dwelling buddies. To build a safe and comfortable den, wolves and other wild dogs would paw at the ground. The main goal? To push leaves and grass into a soft pile.
Even though most domestic dogs now sleep on the most comfortable plush beds, the kneading habit is still baked into their DNA. It’s like a little relic from their past. (Interestingly, it’s one they don’t even know they’re carrying.)
Source: Craige Moore on Flickr.com CC BY-ND 2.0
Why Does My Dog Suckle on Their Blanket as If Nursing?
Okay, this one might seem a little odd, like your dog is a big baby. But seeing strong, powerful breeds like pit bulls or rottweilers acting like they’re still nursing? It can be somewhat confusing. It’s natural to wonder, “Why does Luna suckle on her blanket like she’s nursing?”
A Self-Soothing Ritual
Dogs often suckle on blankets because it’s soothing for them. For some, it mimics the security they felt as puppies while nursing. Curiously, this behavior is more common in dogs who were weaned too early or who didn’t get a ton of motherly nurturing when they were young.
The act of sucking releases calming hormones that help them feel less anxious or stressed. And honestly, who doesn’t need a little self-care now and then? It’s exactly like when we reach for a cozy sweatshirt or eat comfort food after a long day.
When Should You Be Concerned?
In a lot of cases, this behavior is harmless (and even sweet). But if a dog is obsessively suckling or seems distressed when their blanket isn’t around, it might point to some deeper anxiety issues. If that’s the case, it’s worth chatting with your vet or a canine behaviorist to see if something else might be going on.
Why Is My Dog Kneading Like a Cat?
If you’ve ever watched your pup engage in kneading and thought, “Wait a minute, are you turning into a cat?” I don’t blame you for scratching your head. It’s actually pretty interesting what’s going on here.
Instincts Don’t Care About Species
The truth is, kneading isn’t exclusively a feline behavior—dogs have their own reasons for doing it, too! While felines often push their paws to mark their territory (those little paw pads have scent glands), dogs primarily knead for comfort, nesting, or bonding reasons.
That said, the motion looks pretty similar. This probably explains why we associate “making biscuits” so strongly with cats. If your pup kneads like a cat does, it’s likely because they’re tapping into the same behaviors: comfort-seeking or instinctual.
Why Does My Dog Knead Me with Their Paws?
One of the cutest (and most intimate) forms of kneading is when dogs knead their owners, a very loving gesture. Curiously, they use it to express that we are their “safe haven” in this world. As tactile creatures, the behavior gives them a sense of physical closeness to the individuals they care about most.
Why Does My Dog Knead Their Blanket While Settling Down?
Have you ever observed your dog knead their blanket before circling around and curling up into a ball for a nap? It’s such a familiar sight, but why do they do it?
Making Their Bed
This behavior is classic nesting behavior! Remember that wolves and wild dogs would knead the earth to make a comfortable and safe sleeping surface before going to bed. Likewise, dogs’ instincts encourage them to “prepare” their blanket (even though it’s probably already quite comfortable).
Why Does My Dog Knead and Bite Their Blanket?
Sometimes the act of kneading is paired with biting or nibbling, which might look a little chaotic. If you’re asking, “Why does my dog knead and bite their blanket?” here’s what’s likely happening:
It Could Be Playful Behavior
For many pups, this combo is just all about playtime. What they are doing is engaging with the blanket as though it’s a toy. They push it around with their paws and gnaw at it for extra fun.
Or a Bit of Stress Relief
Biting, though, can occasionally be a stress reaction in canines. They may be attempting to self-soothe to cope with anxiety if you see them kneading and biting frantically or repeatedly.
If you’re at all concerned about this behavior in your pet, please ask your vet for guidance.
Final Thoughts
Although it may seem like a strange little habit, your dog kneads you to show affection and seek comfort. This behavior demonstrates how complex and emotional dogs truly are, whether it is related to their puppyhood, their wild instincts, or their need for reassurance.
Take advantage of the opportunity to bond with your dog the next time they knead their blanket or tenderly press their paws into your lap. It serves as a reminder of your close relationship and your pet’s intriguing, eccentric personality!
Sources:
- Move Over Cats, It Turns Out Dogs Can Make Biscuits Too – Newsweek – This German Shepherd named Tchief is “making biscuits” by kneading blankets, showing that dogs can knead just like felines!
- Canine Ingestive Behavior – Veterian Key – This study suggests that dogs knead blankets as a comfort behavior linked to their early nursing habits, where they knead while suckling for security and soothing.
