I have had tons of experience with what we call "biting fleas". It isn't offensive to me nor has the behavior escalated to aggression.
Generally Lacie (my nibbler/licker) does it is when we are cuddled up together, so I can't help but wonder if it is a form of affection.
Our horses exhibit a very well established behavior that is known by "Horse People" as mutual grooming. When they attempt to "groom" me I discourage it by simply rubbing their noses and mouths. On the farm the horses are all conditioned to accept hands everywhere on their bodies and rubbing their noses is actually a form of affection - and they love it for a few minutes, then it gets old and they simply move their heads away.
I have never tried rubbing Lacie's nose, or perhaps her foot to discourage her nibbling, but I may give it a try. Sometimes a simple distraction works wonders when the same distraction is used every time the unwanted behavior is exhibited. |