dog suckling

Question
Hi I have a 2 year old stafford terrier and german shepherd mix, she likes to try and put my arm in her mouth and suckle she tries to suckle my neck.  she never bites just sucks. why does she do this and how can i get her to stop?  she is  a very loving dog

Answer
Hi Lori,

Thank you for writing to me about your Staffie/Shepherd's suckling behavior.  When puppies are separated from their mothers at too young an age they may exhibit behavior as you've described.  Your dog was likely weened from her mother at such a young age that it left her without the necessary bonding that a puppy needs.  She therefore has brought infantile needs into her adult life.  

Suckling on a person or toy is a way of self soothing and bonding.  It is a purely innocent need that your dog has.  You can try to substitute a special toy that she can suck on but the actual behavior will likely continue for the rest of her life.   She sounds very sweet.

Best Regards,
Shelley Davis