Confused

[shay19]

Ok so Aida, Bruiser and Tiki are all still getting along great. It's looking more and more like Tiki is going to be here for a while if not adopted by us, the rescue is getting dogs adopted almost weekly but nobody is taking interest in Miss Tiki Toes.

Anyway, I've always kind of thought Bruiser wasn't all there mentally, I don't really know how to explain it but like he will be doing something like chewing on a nylabone and 30 seconds later look up like he forgot what he was doing. He's done this since we got him so it's nothing that began recently. I even brought it up to the vet we used to use and they didn't find anything wrong (will be getting a new vet soon so a new opinion on that).

But Bruiser and Tiki seem to have a "special" relationship going on. Like Bruiser can run up out of nowhere and nibble on Tiki's neck (I call it the ichty bite since they do the same thing to itch if that gives a better visual) and she allows it and has never gotten snarky at all or even given me any reason to believe it bothers her.

She does not allow Aida to do things like this, never been snarky, just gives a warning growl which Aida always follows. And she's also been the one that's shown signs of DA yet Bruiser can basically do whatever (not that I allow it) and she's totally fine with it..

I guess what I'm wondering is if maybe she can "tell" Bruiser isn't quite right and she allows him to act like a puppy with her?

[catstina]

Interesting, I'll be interested to hear what the experts have o say about this one!

[shay19]

Lol that's exactly what I thought!

It definitely isn't causing any issues or anything out of the ordinary. It's more for my curiousity than anything else lol.

I just found it odd that I always thought Bruiser wasn't completely there (I've seen another similar thing happen to a dog at the day care that had his head beaten in with a brick when he was a puppy before he was rescued and he acts very similar to Bruiser who was abused before we "rescued" him) and then here comes Tiki who treats him VERY differently than she does other dogs.

[adoptapitbull]

It could just be the whole female vs female attitude. Tiki might not like another female doing things to her. Or, some dogs just seem to have "buddies" who get away with murder. We see the same dynamic here on occasion when one dog can do it to one, but another can't.

[emilys]

the nibbling thing (aka corncobbing) is generally considered an affectionate behavior; I agree with others that Tiki may just not appreciate that from Aida

[adoptapitbull]

I seriously thought I was the only person who used the term "corncobbing" when they do that nibbling thing! Cappy does it allllll the time, especially when he wants to get someone to play with him.

[melonie]

Winston does that all the time too. I didn't know it was an affectionate behavior though. He will do it to all his humans, toys, and Cleveland and Mac.

[sugar]

So thats what that nibbling is called! Chubby just started doing it with the boxer girl next door, Roxy. He is getting to the point where they can meet (on leash!) and he doesn't immediately going into humping mode, but he now has started 'corncobbing' her tail nub! She didn't seem to mind but her owner and I were just like, "Um...Chubby? WTF?" lol

On your dogs, it may just be a personality dynamic.

[maryellen]

rufus and sedona did the cornnibbling too.. some dogs tolerate it from other dogs and some wont, it might be a female/male thing that bruiser and tiki do and that tiki wont tolerate that from a female but only from a male

[bubsy]

LOL I did not know it was called corncobbing! I love it! Murphy does it to his toys, and to some dogs...but not very often.

[suziriot]

Otis corncobs everything... the other dogs, the blankets, even us. He's the household groomer though. Always cleaning everyone and licking any owies. I think that Dharma considers it a spa treatment... Otis will hold her head down and just lick away at her face while she goes to sleep. Weirdos.

[shay19]

That definitely makes more sense lol.

I guess I was putting my thoughts into it rather than real dog behavior...

I just found it odd that Brusier and only Bruiser (no other males or females) can do these things to Tiki.

The trainer we took him to a while back confirmed that he has absolutely NO manners towards other dogs,doesn't know how to approach, can't entice play, nothing. He also has a very hard time figuring out other dogs signals (like play bows, growling, etc.). But it just seems like Tiki realized this and took things easy with him, but I guess it very well could be a male/female thing though.

[RealPitBull]

I think it may partly be a male/female thing, but maybe Tiki and Bruiser just rub each other the right way

"Tiki Toes" - TOO CUTE!!!

P.s. This thread needs pix!

[shay19]

I think you may be right Mary lol.

When we first decided to foster we weren't looking for a third dog, just trying to help out. Well Tiki may be a permanent addition since the only homes looking at her are ones with cats (VERY high prey drive, but does surprisingly well w/ the ferrets) and dogs which is odd since I know she can get along with them. So far the only other dogs she likes are Aida and Bruiser lol, even the rescue was surprised and thinks she's basically in her perfect home already...

I will try to get pics uploaded Mary, I've got a ton!! And a new video of Aida and her new favorite toy.... A bubble machine lol!