Why Do Dogs Suckle Soft Toys? A Calm, Science-Based Look

Many dog owners are surprised to see their dog gently suckling a soft toy, blanket, or cushion. It can look strange if you’ve never seen it before, and people often worry that it means something is “wrong”. 

In most cases, it isn’t. 

Suckling in dogs is usually a comfort behaviour — a way of self-soothing, settling, and regulating emotions. Understanding why dogs do this helps owners relax, respond appropriately, and avoid accidentally turning a harmless habit into a problem. 

What do we mean by “suckling”? 

Suckling typically looks like: 

• gently holding a soft toy in the mouth 

• rhythmic sucking or light mouthing 

• often accompanied by paw kneading 

• a calm, settled body posture 

This is very different from frantic chewing, shredding, or destructive behaviour. The emotional quality of the behaviour matters more than the object itself. 

The science behind suckling 

1. Self-soothing and emotional regulation 

Repetitive oral behaviours are widely recognised in animal behaviour science as calming and regulating. Much like humans might stroke a blanket, sip a warm drink, or take slow breaths, dogs may use gentle sucking to lower arousal and settle their nervous system. 

You’ll often see suckling: 

• in the evening 

• after stimulation 

• when the dog is tired but content 

In these moments, the dog is not stressed — they are actively relaxing. 

2. Early weaning and developmental history 

Dogs that were weaned early sometimes retain comfort-seeking oral behaviours into adulthood. That doesn’t mean early weaning automatically causes a problem — many dogs with a full maternal upbringing also suckle — but it can be one contributing factor. 

Importantly, this is not something owners should feel guilty about, particularly with rescue dogs or unknown histories. It’s simply part of that dog’s emotional toolkit. 

3. Stress, change, and displacement 

In some dogs, suckling can increase during periods of change: 

• household disruption 

• altered routines 

• emotional tension 

• overstimulation 

In these cases, the behaviour acts as a displacement behaviour — a safe outlet for emotional pressure. It’s often the dog’s way of saying “I’m managing”, not “I’m falling apart.” 

When suckling is perfectly normal 

Suckling is usually nothing to worry about when: 

• the dog remains calm and relaxed 

• the behaviour is easy to interrupt 

• the toy stays intact 

• the dog engages normally with the rest of life 

Many dogs will keep a favourite “comfort toy” for years, using it in much the same way humans keep sentimental objects. 

When awareness is needed 

Resource guarding 

If a dog becomes stiff, freezes, growls, or guards their suckling toy, that’s no longer about comfort — it’s about emotional safety around resources. The issue isn’t the suckling itself, but how secure the dog feels when resting. 

This doesn’t mean the dog is “possessive” or “dominant”. It means the object has become emotionally important, and the dog fears losing it. 

Escalation or obsession 

If suckling becomes constant, intense, or difficult to interrupt, it may indicate rising stress levels elsewhere in the dog’s life. The behaviour isn’t the cause — it’s the signal. 

A mindful way to view the behaviour 

From a mindfulness perspective, suckling can be seen as the dog’s version of self-regulation. 

Rather than rushing to stop it, it’s often more helpful to: 

• pause 

• observe the dog’s body language 

• notice the context 

• soften our response 

Just as we encourage people to notice their breath or body tension, dogs naturally find their own ways to settle. When suckling is calm and safe, allowing it can actually support emotional wellbeing. 

In summary 

• Suckling is usually a comfort behaviour, not a problem 

• Early weaning can be a factor, but not a verdict 

• It often helps dogs regulate emotions and relax 

• Guarding or escalation signals emotional insecurity, not naughtiness 

• Calm observation is often the most appropriate response 

Understanding the behaviour helps owners replace worry with clarity — and that alone can reduce pressure for both human and dog. 

Paul Shepherd 

CleverK9