Bitey face is a playful behavior that some dogs exhibit where they gently grab another dog’s face in their mouth. It is a common interaction seen between dogs, especially when playing.
What does bitey face look like?
When a dog does bitey face, they will gently take the muzzle, cheek, chin or entire face of another dog in their mouth. They do not actually bite down or cause any harm. The mouth will remain open, and the bite is very gentle. Sometimes a dog will apply a little pressure, but not enough to hurt the other dog. It is done in a playful, non-aggressive manner.
Often you will see the dog doing bitey face wagging their tail and inviting the other dog to play. The dog receiving the bitey face usually remains relaxed. They may pull away after a moment or engage in playful behavior like a play bow back. As long as both dogs seem happy and willing, it is part of normal dog play.
What does bitey face sound like?
When a dog does bitey face, you may hear a gentle growl or playful vocalizations. There should not be any yelping or signs of distress from the dog whose face is being grabbed. The interaction is meant to be pain-free. You may hear a scuffle as the dogs gently mouth at each other and play bow, but it should not sound aggressive.
How can you tell if it’s play?
You can look for signals that indicate both dogs are enjoying the interaction. Play signals include:
- Play bows
- Tail wagging
- Bouncy, excited movements
- Taking turns
- Open mouths instead of tense jaws
- No yelping or signs of fear/anger
As long as both dogs are reciprocating and taking turns, it can be considered play. But any signs of distress, avoidance, or aggression may indicate it has gone too far.
Why do dogs do bitey face?
Dogs engage in bitey face for a few possible reasons:
Play
Bitey face is usually a form of play for dogs. It allows them to interact and have fun with other dogs. The gentle mouthing mimics behaviors seen in puppyhood, so it comes naturally to many dogs.
Affection
Some dogs also do bitey face as a sign of affection, similar to gentle nibbling during grooming. It can represent a close bond between two dogs.
Communication
Bitey face may be a form of canine communication conveying an invitation to play or bond. It shows engagement with the other dog.
Assessing boundaries
Dogs may use bitey face to test boundaries with each other. By putting their mouth on another dog, they are communicating “is this an acceptable interaction?” Based on the reaction, they determine if play should escalate or de-escalate.
Is bitey face ever a problem?
Most of the time, bitey face is a harmless behavior when done gently between two willing dogs. However, there are some cases where it may be problematic:
One dog is overly rough
If one dog keeps doing bitey face too hard and the other dog shows signs of distress like yelping or running away, it’s best to separate them.
A dog grabs a sensitive body part
Bitey face should be limited to the head and neck area. Grabbing ears, tails, legs or other sensitive body parts may cross boundaries and hurt the other dog.
A dog won’t take “no” for an answer
If one dog keeps trying to do bitey face and the other dog is avoiding it, intervene before it escalates to a fight.
One dog is on leash while another is off leash
This can create an unequal dynamic. The leashed dog may feel trapped if the loose dog gets too pushy with bitey face or other play.
How to manage bitey face appropriately
Here are some tips for managing bitey face between dogs in a healthy way:
- Have toys ready to redirect if needed
- Watch body language and break up play if one dog seems distressed
- Do not allow targeting of sensitive body parts
- Interrupt any hard biting or overly rambunctious play
- Make sure both dogs are off leash before allowing play like bitey face
- Step in if one dog is not respecting another dog’s signals to stop
- Separate dogs who play too rough or do not read social cues well
With proper supervision, bitey face is usually a harmless part of play between friendly, well-socialized dogs. But it’s important to set boundaries so that fun doesn’t turn to fighting. Paying attention to each dog’s signals allows bitey face to stay appropriate.
Why do some dogs not like bitey face?
While many dogs enjoy engaging in bitey face play, others may not like having their face grabbed. Reasons a dog may dislike bitey face include:
Fear or anxiety
Dogs that are timid, rescued from bad circumstances, or have fear aggression may find bitey face threatening instead of fun. It can trigger a fearful or defensive reaction.
Bad past experiences
If a dog has been bitten on the face before, has had an altercation over food or toys, or has been excessively disciplined around their face and head, they may be sensitive about having their muzzle grabbed.
Dominance concerns
Some dominant dogs may see bitey face as inappropriate and offensive. They do not tolerate another dog putting their mouth on them.
Independent personality
Many independent or aloof dogs prefer not to engage in rough and tumble play. Bitey face may be too intrusive for their preferences.
Medical conditions
Dogs with eye issues, dental disease, arthritis or jaw injuries may experience pain or discomfort if their face and muzzle are grabbed during play.
What to do if your dog dislikes bitey face
If your dog is not receptive to bitey face from other dogs, take steps to prevent it and keep your dog comfortable:
- Redirect other dogs who attempt bitey face and do not allow it to continue
- Signal “no more” if your dog shows signs of dislike like growling or running away
- Praise and reward your dog for tolerant, polite behavior when they disengage appropriately
- Be your dog’s advocate and do not let pushy dogs overwhelm them
- Consider a muzzle or face harness if your dog may bite when their face is grabbed
While many dogs enjoy bitey face, participating should never be forced. Pay attention to signals, respect both dogs’ communication, and intervene if play ever becomes unwanted harassment.
Are certain breeds more likely to do bitey face?
Some breeds are more prone to engage in mouthy play like bitey face based on their original purposes, temperament, and activity level. Breeds that frequently do bitey face include:
| Breed | Reason for Bitey Face |
|---|---|
| Golden Retrievers | Originally used for soft-mouth retrieving during hunts |
| Labrador Retrievers | Also have a soft “hold” from their retriever heritage |
| Australian Shepherds | Herding dogs who nip at heels when working |
| Boxers | Playful, mouthy breed who often formed bonds by holding toys |
| Standard Poodles | Intelligent, energetic dogs bred for close cooperation with handlers |
However, individual preferences matter more than breed tendencies. Some dogs within mouthy breeds dislike having their face grabbed. And many dogs of all breeds enjoy gentle bitey face and learn to do it with canine playmates.
Herding Dogs
Herding breeds like Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs, and Corgis often do bitey face. Their purpose was to nip at animals’ faces and heels to herd them, so the behavior comes naturally. But they can be taught to inhibit their bite pressure and only do gentle mouth play.
Sporting Dogs
Sporting and hunting dog breeds like Spaniels, Setters, and Pointers are also prone to mouthiness since their original jobs involved careful mouth work like retrieving downed birds during hunts. But again, the behavior can be modified to suit a pet home.
Should puppies be allowed to do bitey face?
Puppy bitey face is perfectly normal developmental behavior. Puppies learn how to regulate the pressure of their jaws and interact with other dogs by mouthing as they play. However, a few precautions are advised when puppies do bitey face:
- Only allow with familiar, well-socialized, tolerant adult dogs at first. Do not overwhelm puppies by allowing rough play with strange adult dogs.
- Make sure the adult dog is giving appropriate feedback when the puppy’s mouthing becomes too hard. They need to learn good bite inhibition.
- Redirect the puppy with a toy if their biting seems too rambunctious for the other dog.
- Do not allow puppies to grab sensitive areas like the tail, ears, belly or legs during bitey face play.
- Monitor interaction closely and separate the puppy if the adult dog shows signs of annoyance or corrections are being ignored.
With proper supervision, puppy bitey face teaches essential skills for communicating, playing, and inhabiting their future doggy social world politely and safely.
Conclusion
In summary, bitey face is a harmless and natural dog behavior when done gently between consenting canine playmates. It allows dogs to interact, bond, communicate and learn from each other. While most dogs enjoy it, be sure to respect any dog’s dislike of the behavior. With proper limits, bitey face offers dogs a fun way to engage with each other and strengthen social skills.