A “Muzzle grab” is a typical behavior displayed by sociable canines, such as wolves (Canis lupus lupus), dingoes (Canis lupus dingo), and dogs. It was captured in this image of Marco de Kloet (Canis lupus familiaris).
Instead of resolving a conflict, this behavior serves to affirm a connection. A more secure opponent will be muzzle grabbed by a more insecure one, so establishing the more confident person’s social position. The person who is less confident does not struggle against the muzzle grip. Contrarily, the more insecure person frequently exhibits subservient behavior by blatantly allowing its adversary to muzzle seize it. Although we occasionally observe this behavior after a disagreement, wolves and dogs only do it in front of people they are familiar with (pack members), almost as a way of expressing, “You’re still a cub (pup).” The conflict itself is usually not substantial, merely a minor challenge, usually involving access to a certain resource. Children, cubs, and puppies will occasionally ask people to grasp them by the muzzle. They seem to find comfort in this behavior, as if to say, “I’m still your cub (pup).”
Early on, the behavior of muzzle grabs appears. To stop their babies from nursing during weaning, canine mothers muzzle grasp them (sometimes while growling). During play, cubs and pups, which are normally between the ages of six and nine weeks, also muzzle grip one another. They most likely discover via practice that the muzzle grip is a reliable method of preventing an adversary from acting. When exhibiting a muzzle grab, cubs and puppies also learn the significance of bite restraint. They risk getting wounded if they bite their adversary too forcefully. Therefore, a muzzle grab just involves gripping and not biting. “We don’t hurt one another” is a conduct that fosters trust between the two parties.
A muzzle grab that is employed to resolve a conflict appears more violent and typically results in the victim becoming submissively passive. However, extremely seldom do the participants suffer harm, which would defeat the purpose of the conduct itself.
A muzzle grab necessitates restraint. Higher ranking wolves and dogs muzzle grip their pack members (team members) in order to demonstrate self control and affirm their hierarchy. In order to validate their acceptance of their social standing and to reassure themselves that they are still welcomed, lower ranking wolves and dogs encourage muzzle snatching activity.
The behavior of grabbing the muzzle of an animal most likely began as both a mother (paternal) behavior and a play behavior among cubs (pups). As it proved advantageous for all parties involved, it was picked up by natural selection and passed on from father to son, evolving in the same way as any other characteristic that improves an individual’s fitness.
Domestic dog puppies typically get their mother’s muzzle grabbed when they are five to seven weeks old. Even if their mother hasn’t injured them in any way, at initially, their mother’s actions scare them, and they could whine excessively. Later, the puppy quickly exhibits passive acquiescence when being muzzled (lies down with its belly up). It was once believed that the mother had to pin the puppy to the ground, however most puppies submit voluntarily. This behavioral pattern takes on modifications over time. The alpha male (pack leader) and other adults frequently grab wolf cubs and puppies by the muzzle. They demand an example of their elders’ wisdom and self-control while simultaneously demonstrating their acceptance and subordination. The most comforting behavior an adult dog can exhibit for a puppy is this one.
Domestic dogs will occasionally approach their owners and softly puff at them with their noses. We confirm our acceptance of them, our self-discipline, and our overall control of the surroundings by gently gripping them about the snout. The dog will typically demonstrate a nose lick after being muzzled for a moment, possibly yawn, and then stroll peacefully away. When a dog says, “I’m still your puppy,” and the owner responds, “I know, and I’ll take good care of you,” the situation is analogous.
It can be challenging to categorize the behavior of muzzle grabs. It is categorized as social conduct by some researchers, agonistic activity by others, and specifically pacifying behavior by a third group of researchers. This author categorizes this conduct as social behavior because its primary purpose is to validate a relationship between two people.
Why does my dog wrap his jaws around the neck of my other dog?
If you see dogs biting each other’s necks, you can guess that it’s either out of play or out of aggression. Dogs biting at each other’s necks is very common, and as long as it’s fun, you shouldn’t be concerned.
Although it may be challenging to distinguish between the two at first glance, learning your dog’s body language will enable you to do so and determine whether or not you should step in to stop the neck biting and grabbing.
What playtime neck biting looks like
Dogs primarily interact with one another through play fighting. This is a crucial stage in any dog’s development since it teaches them how to control their bite, respect their limits, and determine when aggression is and isn’t appropriate.
Handy Tip: In this other guide to ear biting habit, I explain how dogs will also bite at each other’s ears while playing.
Because they actually pick up their own “social” abilities from interacting with one another, more socialized dogs are easier to train. This playful activity includes actions including chasing, wrestling, growling, and neck-biting.
By observing a dog’s body language, it is simple to determine when it is playingfully biting the neck of another dog. You can believe that any neck-biting is just innocent horseplay or “dogplay” if both dogs appear to be grinning, leaning into the action, bowing to the other dog, and look to be “frolicking” and “bouncing”!
What aggressive neck biting looks like
Your dog may be acting aggressively toward another dog for a variety of reasons. The most frequent ones include being frightened, feeling possessive, being too protective of you or another human or dog, as well as displaying misdirected hostility.
The dog is repeatedly mounted, the dog is physically restrained, and it appears that the dog is getting bit roughly. These are some of the indications that neck-biting between dogs is motivated by aggression.
Handy Tip: Even if you’re alone, there are methods to break up a fight if it turns into a real dogfight.
Additionally, the dog that was bitten can begin displaying aversion behaviors like yelping, lying down, rushing to hide behind you, or turning their heads away from the other dog.
A dog gripping the other dog’s neck and shaking it is how many owners describe violent neck biting.
To reduce the chance of dogs becoming hurt, it’s crucial to take action right away if you believe a dog is being assaulted. Though many owners employ the wheelbarrow technique, in which you grab your dog’s back legs and pull them backwards, avoid stepping in between them.
Neck biting and aggression could originate from:
- Excitement
- Fear
- Pain
- Possessiveness
- Game drive
It is our duty as owners to prevent things from getting to this point before it is too late by keeping an eye out for the indications that play has escalated into hostility.
The following are the warning indicators to watch out for that indicate things are about to get nasty:
- Snarling and deep growling begin.
- Gums and teeth are visible.
- On their backs, they have elevated hackles.
- There are loud yells of pain.
- ears down as they stare.
If the dogs are acting aggressively and there is blood on the neck or other parts of the dog, you should separate them right away and try to change the behavior.
Why does my dog gnaw on the faces of my other dogs?
You can infer that dogs are biting each other’s faces either out of play or out of aggression if you see dogs doing it. This type of mouth-biting amongst dogs is completely common, and as long as it is fun, you shouldn’t be concerned.
Although it may be challenging to distinguish between the two at first glance, learning your dog’s body language will enable you to do so and determine whether or not you should step in to stop the face biting and mouth grabbing.
What playtime face biting looks like
Because they actually pick up their own “social” abilities from interacting with one another, more socialized dogs are easier to train. This fun game includes activities like chasing, grappling, growling, and face-biting.
By observing a dog’s body language, it is simple to determine when it is playingfully biting the face of another dog. Any face- and mouth-biting can be assumed to be harmless horseplay or “dogplay” if both dogs appear to be grinning, leaning into the action, bowing to the other dog, and look to be “frolicking” and “bouncing”!
What aggressive face biting looks like
Consider some of the following indications that a dog is engaging in aggressive face-biting with another dog: the dog is frequently mounted; the dog is physically restrained; and the dog appears to be receiving a harsh bite.
Handy Tip: If a real dog fight is taking place, use these guidelines to properly break it up without getting hurt.
Aggressive mouth and face biting is frequently described by owners as a dog grasping the other dog and shaking them.
When playing, do dogs typically bite each other’s necks?
The act of a dog biting the neck of another dog is very normal and frequently occurs during play. During play, our older dog is softly biting our puppy’s neck in the manner that a dog may mouth your hand.
However, keep an eye on things because aggression can easily develop from play. In actuality, some dogs will attempt to dominate the other. Dog neck biting dominance, which is utilized in play but more forcefully during a fight, is what this is known as.
When dog neck biting transitions from play to aggressiveness, dog owners need to be aware of the subtle signs. Your dogs’ body language will convey their mood at the time of the behavior.
So that’s a very brief explanation of what it means when a dog bites the neck of another dog or puts his mouth around the neck of another dog. Everything you need to know about when a small nibble could develop into a painful bite or neck wound, possibly even with a shaking motion, is provided here.
Is it normal to see a dog pinning another dog down by the neck?
There are two scenarios in which you can witness a dog grabbing the throat of another dog. Play is one; aggressiveness is another. If it’s just play, there’s nothing to worry about unless it progresses to neck biting and head and neck shaking.
Here are the two and how they differ so that you can decide when it is appropriate to step in.
Dog neck biting during play
All dog breeds engage in playful combat. When older canines bite at younger pups during play, it’s a release for them and a small amount of dominance tossed in for good measure.
Puppy biting inhibition is taught in this game. At this point, they begin to bite, albeit gently and without much force. Puppies will pick up on the boundaries and when using aggression is inappropriate very soon.
Additionally, older dogs will nip at a puppy’s neck to subtly remind it of their dominance in the household.
Dogs (and young puppies in particular) learn how to socialize with each other through play fighting and neck biting. They may chase each other around while playing with the zoomies, growl at each other, and engage in friendly competition.
How do you know the dog neck biting is harmless play?
If you are familiar with your dog, you will recognize their joyful emotions. You might not be so certain, though, if the pinning down is being done by a stranger’s dog. Fortunately, there are several characteristics that joyful dogs around the world have in common when playing.
Dogs who are having fun while playing will:
- Lean into the action or play bow to the opposing dog.
- Allowing the other dog to approach them will prompt a play attack.
- Jump around and have fun while playing.
How do you know the dog neck biting is aggression instead?
This is the situation where dog neck biting dominance might develop into hostility. One of the dogs may be terrified, surprised, feeling territorially threatened, or even acting in a protective manner toward the owner.
There are more indicators to look out for when neck biting is aggressiveness rather than play. These consist of:
- harshly growling and snarling.
- exposing one’s teeth.
- raised hackles
- ears that are erect and staring.
- Biting at the neck while shaking the head.
The dog being bit on the neck will then exhibit other signals that what is happening is not play but rather something more serious. These consist of:
- sobbing and yelling
- Away from the other dog, they turn their body and head.
- hiding under your legs in an attempt.
The two dogs need to be removed as soon as you notice one biting the neck of the other and shaking it. However, avoid putting yourself in their path as you could get wounded.
The wheelbarrow method is one of the best techniques to separate two fighting dogs. Drag the vicious dog’s back legs and begin to tug them in your direction.
This violent neck biting is frequently caused by:
- Excitement.
- Pain.
- Fear.
- Possessiveness.
- “prey drive”
