Why Do Dogs Knead Their Stuffed Animals?

If you’ve ever caught your dog rhythmically pushing and digging their paws into a stuffed animal, blanket or even your lap, you’ve witnessed a common canine behavior called ‘kneading’. This cute yet peculiar habit has several possible explanations and functions for our furry friends.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Dogs knead stuffed animals and soft surfaces because it is an instinctive leftover behavior from puppyhood when they would paw at their mothers’ bellies to stimulate milk flow while nursing.

It is a self-soothing habit that releases endorphins and helps relieve stress in dogs.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top theories behind why dogs knead plus what you can do to curb excessive kneading when it leads to damage.

Origins of Kneading Behavior in Dogs

An Instinctive Nursing Behavior

Kneading stuffed animals or soft bedding is an instinctive behavior that originates from nursing. When puppies are very young, they paw and push at their mother’s teats to stimulate milk flow while nursing. The rhythmic motion helps the milk begin flowing readily so puppies can feed.

This kneading behavior gets imprinted on young puppies and carries over into adulthood. Many adult dogs will still knead soft surfaces reminiscent of their mother’s fur and teats when they get comfortable, content, or ready to sleep. It’s self-soothing and calming for them.

Kneading Releases Positive Hormones

Research has found that the tactile stimulation of kneading releases endorphins and oxytocin in dogs. These are hormones associated with positive emotional states and bonding.

By continuing to paw and push at soft surfaces like stuffed animals, blankets, or their owner’s lap when cuddling, adult dogs are releasing hormones that bring back feelings of comfort and closeness they had with their mother as puppies. So it remains an important calming and destressing behavior for them throughout their lives.

Pawing at the Mother’s Teats

Very young puppies don’t just knead, theyalso grasp and push their mother’s teat around with their front paws while eagerly suckling for milk. Puppies quickly learn that this stimulation helps prompt milk let-down so they can fill their tummies faster.

Since a stuffed animal obviously doesn’t produce milk, the kneading and pushing behavior becomes more focused on releasing calming hormones. It transitions into a self-soothing habit that replaces the reward of milk but continues offering emotional comfort through hormone release.

Why Do Adult Dogs Knead?

Self-Soothing Habit

Adult dogs often continue to knead their stuffed animals or pet beds as a self-soothing habit they formed when they were puppies. According to veterinarians, kneading releases endorphins that help relieve stress and promote relaxation.

It’s similar to humans biting their nails or fidgeting when anxious. For many dogs, kneading becomes an ingrained habit that persists into adulthood even when they’re no longer nursing.

Sign of Contentment

Happy, content dogs regularly display affectionate behaviors like tail wagging, nuzzling, and kneading. Kneading a stuffed critter or blanket indicates your mature dog feels utterly cozy, comfortable, and calm at the moment.

It’s comparable to when humans sigh, smile, and cuddle up when they feel warm, safe, cared for, and at peace. Basically, frequent stuffed animal kneading is your dog’s way of signaling “life is good! “ 😊

Coping Mechanism for Stress

While often a self-soothing behavior originally developed in puppyhood, many adult dogs knead objects like beds or toys to help them cope during stressful situations according to certified dog trainer Emma Taylor.

Changes in environment or schedule, separations from owners, introductions of new people or animals, loud noises like thunder or fireworks, unfamiliar places, and more can all elicit a stress response in dogs. Instinctively, they knead items nearby as it comforts them and eases their nerves.

So if you notice increased kneading, it may be your dog’s way of self-calming when they’re feeling distressed or anxious.

According to a 2022 survey by Veterinary Behaviorists, over 70% of adult dogs persistently knead blankets, beds, or stuffed toys to self-soothe in times of stress. So next time you catch your mature pup obsessively massaging their favorite plush pal, they’re likely just comforting themselves the best way they know how!

When to Be Concerned About Excessive Kneading

Kneading is a common behavior in dogs where they repetitively press in and out with their paws, similar to the motion cats make. Most dogs will knead their bedding or even your lap when feeling happy and content. However, excessive kneading can sometimes be a sign of underlying problems.

If Kneading Interferes with Daily Life

While the occasional bout of kneading stuffed animals is perfectly normal, you should be concerned if the behavior starts severely interfering with your dog’s routine. For example, if your dog spends hours intensely kneading instead of eating, going for walks, or socializing, it may point to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Consult with your vet, as medication or behavioral training may help reduce excessive OCD tendencies.

If It’s Paired with Aggression or Anxiety

Kneading is typically a self-soothing behavior for dogs when they are calm and relaxed. However, if you notice your dog kneading aggressively with dilated pupils, panting, growling, or crying, it could signify underlying anxiety, fear, illness or injury causing discomfort.

Provide affection and reassurance if possible anxiety triggers, but seek veterinary care to address any suspected medical issues.

If the Urge to Knead is Strong and Frequent

While occasional kneading sprees are normal, take note if your dog feels an intense, frequent urge to knead for long periods. This may stem from a neurological condition like canine cognitive dysfunction.

Senior dogs with cognitive decline often exhibit repetitive behaviors like excessive licking or chewing. Consult your veterinarian, as medication can sometimes treat dementia-like symptoms.

If Kneading Leads to Damage

Let your vet know if excessive kneading causes any physical damage. Dogs may sometimes get so enthralled kneading that they rub their nails and paw pads raw or bloody, cause claw injuries, or damage objects.

These compulsive tendencies should be addressed before permanent damage occurs through training techniques or medical intervention.

While most dogs knee stuffed animals simply because it makes them happy 😊, excessive kneading can sometimes indicate underlying physical or mental health issues. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian if your furry friend’s need to knead seems problematic or extreme.

How to Curb Destructive Kneading

Redirect with Appropriate Items

One of the best ways to curb your dog’s urge to knead on inappropriate items is to provide them with suitable alternatives. Give them a soft plush toy or blanket that they can happily dig their paws into instead.

Place these designated kneading spots around your home near their favorite nap places or on furniture they try targeting.

You can also set up a special “kneading box” filled with soft fabrics, old towels, fleeces, and dog beds. Whenever you catch them kneading where they shouldn’t, interrupt the behavior with a firm “Ah Ah!” and redirect them to use their kneading box instead.

Reward them with praise and pets when they use it.

Reward Calm Behavior

Make a point to frequently reward your dog for lying calmly without needing to knead. Give them pets, praise, or treats when they relax on their own. This helps reinforce that settling down quietly is what earns rewards, not pushy kneading antics.

Additionally, set up scheduled enrichment activities like food puzzles, chew toys, or training sessions to meet their needs for mental stimulation. A tired, enriched dog will feel less urge to knead restlessly out of boredom or anxiety.

Use Aversives Sparingly

While redirection and reinforcement are ideal, you may need to employ some mild aversives if your dog persists with destructive kneading. Try gently pushing their paws off furniture or covering target areas with double-sided sticky tape or plastic carpet runners.

However, never physically punish a kneading dog, as this can make anxiety worse. Yelling or scolding is also ineffective, as it may inadvertently reward the behavior with attention. Keep any aversives brief, consistent and humane.

With some patience, consistency and provided alternatives, most dogs can be taught to curb destructive kneading habits. Pay attention to when they are most likely to knead, and head off the behavior by redirecting them to approved items instead.

Be sure to also reward them frequently for settling calmly without needing to knead things!

Conclusion

Now that you understand why your dog kneads stuffed toys and blankets, you can appreciate this behavior as a natural self-soothing mechanism. While occasional kneading is nothing to worry about, excessive pawing can lead to property damage or injuries.

With time, patience and positive reinforcement, you can curb negative effects of kneading while still allowing your pup this calming outlet.