My Jack Russell just started nibbling with front teeth. Why?

I'm not entirely sure if you're referring to actual aggression (intent to bite), or just nipping behavior, which is very normal and common in puppies. If Cooper is doing the usual puppy nipping (very excited, wiggly body, chewing on everything, jumping up, etc), then there are a few things you can do. One is to just get up and walk away when he becomes too excited, and ignore him (you may need to leave the room). Once he is calm, you can start play again to help teach him that nipping behavior doesn't get attention. Yelping out Ouch! In a high pitched voice can also help, as it mimics playing too rough with a litter mate. Replacing the chewing/nipping with an appropriate toy so his mouth is occupied can also help. Be sure to praise and give him attention when he is focused on his toys, rather than your hand! Puppies do start to get adult teeth around 6-7 months of age, so you may see a surge in nipping and chewing then as well! If Cooper is showing actual aggression (growling, stiff body, whale eyes, pinned back ears, snarling, showing teeth, biting to try and break the skin) then this is a serious and complex situation that should be checked out by a veterinary behaviorist in person. You can look for one in your area by following this link: http://www.dacvb.org/about/member-directory/

Duchess' chattering could be a result of either oral pain or a focal seizure (more subtle repetitive neurologic behavior). At this point, the best thing you can do is take her to the vet to determine if she has signs of dental issues, or any neurologic deficits. Until you can take her to the vet, keep a log of when this chattering behavior occurs including the time, duration, any preceding events (meals, exercise, stress, etc.), and take a video of this chattering to show to your vet.

This may be comfort to him (like a baby with a pacifier). I would make sure that he has a clear bill of health and if so, leave toys that are appropriate to nibble on. Do not allow him to nibble on you. When he tries to, give him a toy or something else and tell him no. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

This sounds like normal mouthy behavior. The molars (back teeth) are used to grind with, so it isn't unusual in any way. If you wish to stop her from destroying blanket rugs however, I would recommend working with a personal dog trainer to help her divert that energy into something else. Also you can try giving her Kong toys to chew on instead to satisfy her mouth fixation. I hope that things work out well for your pet Ellie and her chewing behavior. Best wishes and take care.

This could be a neurological problem you are describing, or some kind of arthritis in his jaw/temporomandibular joint area. Or, sometimes dogs when they smell a strange smell, like urine for example, will exhibit something similar to what you are describing that almost looks like a very fast teeth-chattering kind of behavior. This is normal. I do recommend a full exam by your vet to make sure that this is not a partial focal seizure or severe dental disease or jaw arthritis/jaw dislocation that is causing the behavior, as these things are much more serious and a possibility as well. Try to video tape this behavior-- we'd be happy to view this on a Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach consultation, or you can take it to your vet during the examination. Best of luck and hope that helps!

Many times this is a sign of contentment or self soothing. It can also be an attempt at mutual grooming. In general, as long as she is not being destructive, the behavior is nothing to worry about. I hope this helps.

Hi and thank you for your question on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sight unseen, it is hard to say exactly what the cause of the tongue issue may be, but I certainly provide a few possibilities. Dogs will stick out their tongues or lick their lips with their tongues when they are nauseous. Other times, it can signal a dental infection, periodontal disease or other oral infection. A foreign body like a pieces of twine or twig could be stuck in between his teeth or gums. Lastly, dogs stick their tongues out and report to "lick the air" can be a self soothing behavior- it would be like us tapping our feet or clicking a pen. An exam from your primary care veterinarian can help rule out most of the above possibilities. I would encourage you to take Jack in when you can. Best of luck to you and Jack!