Nudge, bark and lick ...

[2GoodDogs]

Bobby barks at it first, then nudges with his nose, then licks almost obsessively...

First it was the fence, then the glass door, now the side of the tv stand.
I distract him with a ball or game of tug, but it seems he is in an emotionally frustrated state when he does this.

I walk him 2 miles most days, on the days we don't he goes to an hour long class that engages his brain and body.

Does your dog display this behavior? Any ideas?

 

[SheepOfBlue]

It almost sounds like he is searching for nutrient but then I would expect Justus to behave similar so that is probably not it. Could just be his thing, Sca can lick on some pretty gross things if allowed.

 

[OntarioSheltie]

Bobby barks at it first, then nudges with his nose, then licks almost obsessively...

First it was the fence, then the glass door, now the side of the tv stand.
I distract him with a ball or game of tug, but it seems he is in an emotionally frustrated state when he does this.

I walk him 2 miles most days, on the days we don't he goes to an hour long class that engages his brain and body.

Does your dog display this behavior? Any ideas?

...sounds a bit ocd-ish...

I definitely wouldn't encourage the behavior, keep doing and re-direct the behavior. Try not to make a big deal of it either. If he thinks its a bad thing he might be more prone to do it.

If it's a real problem you might want to talk to a vet or behaviorist.

 

[Tagg]

He's certainly responding to some stressor. Is there a pattern to when he does this behaviour? Start keeping a chart of time of day, weather, noises etc. Hope you get to the root of it soon.

 

[Caro]

I'd also check for allergies. Excessive/ocd type licking can start from licking to relive allergies or pain.

 

[2GoodDogs]

Thanks, I'm taking notes.

Outside it happens (wait till you see the pictures of what he's doing to my wooden fence!) when I'm not home and my son has put the dogs in the yard.

Inside it happens most when I'm playing with Justus, or my son is upstairs.

That's another thing I need to discuss with the knowledgable... but need video so you can see it...

will keep observing and taking pictures and notes. I really want to understand this behavior!

Hope my young dog, Justus, will not "catch" Bobby's weird quirks.