I think it is Tibbe's way of working you.
Reminds me of a line from an exhibitor in the book, The Complete Yorkshire Terrier, about Yorkies having the ability to make you lose your patience one second, and they will have you on your knees begging for forgiveness the next.
My boys are the biggest brown nosers, so they never give me the cold shoulder. They are always angling for something -- food or a walk.