One of the many curious things our beloved pit bulls do is using their front teeth–almost like a shivering chatter–to gently chew on toys, blankets, or even you. This isn’t the full-blown chewing to rip open a toy and see what’s inside (although it could complement that); it’s more careful and deliberate. Its normally done in a playful way, during zoomies, or right as they’re getting cozy in bed. It has a lot of terms: “ninnying,” “corn-on-the-cobbing” (especially appropriate when done to our fingernails), love-biting, and nibbling. While all dog breeds do this to some extent, our favorite term for when our weirdos do it is “the pibble nibble.”
What’s the reason behind the pibble nibble? Unlike most strange pit bull behavior, the answer is pretty straightforward. That doesn’t make it any less interesting or adorale though.
Puppy Playtime Rituals
When your pit bull was a puppy, it was surrounded by brothers and sisters who nibbled on each other as a sign of acceptance and affection while playing and getting mom’s attention. This began even before they started cutting their teeth, so it included gumming their litter-mates until they developed those jagged, razor-sharp teeth that puppies eventually develop. As their teeth grew, they used them to lovingly nibble each other to maintain familiarity (think high fives instead of handshakes). In the process, they learned restraint, and what amount of pressure was acceptable versus what was past the line of playfulness (mom helped set that straight).
Grooming Rituals
As your pit bull continued to grow-up with his brothers and sisters, the nibbling became more than just constant positive affirmation; it served the practical purpose of grooming. Combing someone else’s fur through your teeth is a pretty personal way to bond with your buddies, even if it’s your siblings. That’s why the grooming aspect of nibbling is also a sign of affection and acceptance. So why do our pit bulls do this well into adulthood after they’ve been adopted? It’s because they are comfortable around you.
Puppy Behavior For Life
When you see your adult dog do the pibble nibble, it is reverting back to a time when it felt safe and comfortable, surrounded by peers, without a care in the world. We normally see the pibble nibble during spontaneous playtime, perhaps when a toy isn’t immediately available. Pit bulls will not let the absence of toys stop their fun, and will normally improvise with a pillow or blanket. Rest assured that they don’t want to destroy your stuff; they just associate playing with instinctively nibbling on something that reminds them of being surrounded by the first friends they had in life. So now they’re around you, and they feel like they’re back in the care-free environment that made them feel loved and cared for; they feel like a puppy again!
What if I’m the One Being Nibbled (the nibblee)?
If you are lucky enough to receive a pibble nibble, you’ll notice that it doesn’t hurt, and that certainly wasn’t their intent. But sometimes, they can play a little too hard, which is easy because our bare skin doesn’t have the fur buffer that their siblings did. In that case, experts recommend letting out a high-pitched “yipe,” signalling to your dog that the pressure has crossed your threshold of acceptable play. Personally, when I feel the painless chatter on my finger, I’m honored that my best friend feels comfortable enough to consider me one of his pack.
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My Ella nibbles on toys ,blankets, her tail, my cheeks, my hair. So much love, my first pibble but not my last ?❤
Luv you guys
Love this! I get pibble nibbles all the time from my sweet girl. I’ve always thought of them as a sign of love and affection for sure!!!
Our pibble nibbles constantly! Toys and blankets are her favs. She also moans, groans and whines while nibbling. She gets into a steady rhythm , it’s so cute! Thanks for the article! Totally relatable.
I call it flea biting !!! They are giving their babies a treatment !! My babies crack me up ! They are so very careful to be gentle with their babies when giving them a treatment or us for that matter. There is nothing like the love of a Pit Bull <3
Thanks for this! My girlfriend and I recently adopted a 2-year-old pit bull. He recently nibbled on me and I told him to stop. Now I know the reason why and no need for me to put him on timeout. Thank you for this!
My little guy, well not so little anymore he’s almost 7 yrs old likes to nibble on my comforter while I scratch his butt lol and he constantly licks my feet and hands lol I love him so much, he’s full of love and cuddles. Thank you for your article.
We call it “corn cobbling” when they use their front teeth like that because it looks like they’re eating corn on the cob?
We have been receiving pibble nibbles since our Brigee came to live with us. Now I know why, thanks for your article.
I have a 10week pittie she nibbles a bit too hard. Tears the pants. My 2yr old son has scratches on his legs from the sharp teeth. But oh we looove her
I Love my pitt and I Love it when he nibbles on me he bought blood the other day by accident, I showed him what he did he lower his head and looked like I hurt his feeling’s the way he turned to walk away. But didn’t last long He was up an running that ecening
Love the nibble mine does it every time I’m around he especially like the ears
My Labrador Bradytom, he does it too. He was a rescue and I asked his former owners if he did it to then and he said no. That he must really love you. He also loves loves my ear. He has even pulled my earring out several times. My sweet sweet baby.
I love his name!!!!
My baby just turned 5 yesterday and he’s been doing this since I rescued him as a baby. He has his lovey’s (stuffed animals) which he treasures but squeaks uncontrollably when he wakes up or when people come home. He does nibble on the people he loves at the dog park and has gotten me a few times on a few spots that were tender but he’d never hurt anyone intentionally. He has a heart of gold! Anyone that says differently or has their mind set another way, has never owned one. Thankfully, we’ve changed quite a few kinds of dog owners at the park and they now are believers of the breed!
My pit does the constantly.. especially when we’re playing with her and her toys. I always wondered why she does this and now I know. She will also nudge you with her nose and if you don’t notice her or give her the attention she seems then that’s when she will nibble on you…
Thanx for the tips!! They really help me understand my adopted pit? i love him so much!! Please send me more info and thank you as i love learning about this wonderful breed ?
I Love My Sampson , and all HIS PIBBLE NIBBLES!!!!;??????
My dog sucks on blankets. She also pushes back her paws while sucking on the blanket. It’s sopping wet when she has finished. Do you know why she does this? My other two do not. Is it because I found her at 3 weeks old?
My Bullie does this also. Not sure ehy but I do think it’s soothing thing for them. Much like a baby with a soother. I also wonder if it means they left momma to early.
Anita & Corrine you are both correct. I know this from experience & what my vet said. Pups aren’t supposed to leave Mama until 8 weeks old.
Hi Corrine! My Puggle (who is more pug than beagle) also does this. He has a special pillow that he sucks on, and he nudges it with his front paws kind of like he is nursing. We let him go, and actually give him pillows that he like (he wore out a few), because I feel he is relating back to when he was a puppy and must have been pulled early. He was a rescue, so we did not know his background. He is the sweetest doggie. And he loves to play with his sister who is a pitty. He thinks for the most part, that he IS one, LOL. We love all of the bully breeds! I hope this helps! Just let your doggie go and enjoy those moments of pleasure!!
My 13 year old son will nibble on my roommate’s hand and lead her to the cookie jar in the laundry room. Very smart and too adorable to ignore.
We have two beautiful 7 year old pitbulls. The female sucks on blankets too and has from the time we brought her home. We believe it helps to calm her. It is something she enjoys so we let her do it and buy special blankets just for her. It makes her happy so it makes us happy!
That’s exactly why actually. Your pup thinks they’re nursing.
Yes! I think so anyway. I found my cat that young and she sucks on her tail until it’s wet and sometimes blankets etc too. I definitely think it was because she was weaned too soon. She was a runt who was abandoned and had to be bottle fed.
i found my puppy when she was around 3 weeks
she does the same thing 🙂 completly normal just a sign of comfort
I rescued a pitbull a year ago and just got my first pitbull nipple from him and it brought tears to my eyes because it shows that he really trust me and loves me And I feel very honored that he loves me this much
Corrine, my husband rescued a minpin 15 years ago. He said he sucked blankets bc he was weaned from his mother too soon. The dog thought he was still nursing.
This is so good to hear. Pitbulls being adopted. Looks like things are finally turning around for Pitbulls. As they should. They are a great dog. So many in the shelters. So if you are looking for a dog. I think I can say we all recommend a Pitbull.
I rescued my 1 year old from the streets of Broward county and she is the best dog I’ve ever had. You can tell she is so grateful to have her forever home and she does.the pibble nibble all the time. I just love her so much!
I’ve had my Pitt for a week now and he has been doing his Pibble Nibbles all the time. However; he is also overly playful and CONSTANTLY grabs my wrist to chew to the point I am black and blue. I have tried to discipline him by putting him outside when he does this, getting him a toy, turning my back.. etc.. but just can’t get him to stop. It’s getting quite sore and I’m just so over, and frustrated with this constant behavior. It’s hard to pet him for any length of time because this behavior starts. ANY SUGGESTIONS????
Ive heard using vicks vaporub can help detour them from peeing in certain spots in the house if they like to mark their territory. I wonder if rubbing it on your arms anytime you are sitting down with him would help bc he probably wouldnt like the strong smell. Eventually he would probably quit. Please dont give up on him!
Ive own pitbulls my whole life the use there mouth like a extra hand feeling you and tasting you sometimes they dont know their own strength just tell them to be easy they will get the picture. They are loving you..they are fantastic dogs just love them and be responsible
Mine use to do this until a behavorist told me to just say no in a firm voice and walk away. Don’t show him any attention when he does this. It took a while but it works and now at 2 and a half he is the most loving affectionate dog.
My 2yr old rescue pit is a very pushy high-energy girl who has always been very “mouthy”. She can get way too rough when playing or when excited. She is finally settling down some, but still resorts to nibbling very hard –and being very pushy abt it–when she is trying to tell me she wants something, usually “go outside” or “feed me”. I have always tucked my hands in my armpits and turned my back to her til she settles, then immediately praise her. She gets to go outside or get fed only once the biting at my hands completely stops. Sometimes it takes a few repeats of this sequence on the way to the door or the food bowl to show her the biting doesnt immediately get her what she wants. On the other hand when she is being affectionate she will give me a very gentle lil nibble on the chin for which i lavish her with praise and attention.
If it is a puppy, they need naps and some play time. I got my pup benebone, deer antler, Kong toy stuffed with frozen dog food in it. I used to wear long sleeved shirts. I started to socialize my pit with other pups and people by taking puppy classes. She lost the puppy teeth and quit mouthing so much.
How old is he? Pitties are so strong and it takes them a bit of time to learn their thresholds. Don’t give up! Try positive reinforcement only. When he does something you don’t like, just walk away and put distance between you. That is a very clear message for them because they love so much to be near and playing with their person/people. When he takes a cue and/or does the right thing, praise him loudly and excitedly and maybe even give a treat. He’ll learn so quickly! Don’t give up!
Pitties love to play, try seeing if he will play fetch with a ball or two with you? Try to tire him out a ittle and interact with him before leaving him to his own devices. Granted, they are almost impossible to tire, but a good game of fetch gets him to interact with you, train him and get rid of some energy.
Good luck with your new baby boy!
It would help to know how old your dog is, but….in my experience with mine, repeated training. Meaning, sometimes it just takes a while longer than some other breeds. Just tell your dog “NO” in a stern voice and put him outside as you have been doing. Or clap your hands together loudly and shout “NO”. Never spank or hit them, just as with children that is abuse and doesn’t work in your favor. Sometimes pitbulls just need a little extra time to learn these things. That is just the pittie personality! But once they learn it they are the best dogs ever!
Maybe try a high pitched noise like a Yelp and turn away. Each time you turn around, if he does it again, repeat. If he is in teething stage, encouraging him to chew on toys, getting PLENTY of exercise, and always give praise when he doesn’t exhibit that behavior.
Deboned Rotisserie chicken to train him to not to do that. Chicken is the best secret to get them do what ever you want.
Dear Amy my baby has done this always and to the point of may cuts on my hands and arms.what I started doing was taking her head in my hands and saying I love you over and over then she will start to say it with me. Then next time biting start I just say no bite I love you and most of the time the biting stops.sometimes she snaps her teeth together sharply right in front of my face like she’s telling me “I could bite but you say no so I wont” she is 110 lb so I am glad we have this in a better place
Pitbulls are the most beautiful dogs. I am bias I had one and she was so sweet. Princess, was her name.
My pit Copper likes to sneak in a nibble on my ear. Rescued her ayear and a half ago, best dog!!!
I get pibble nibbles on my fingers every night I come home…it’s wonderful!
Our one year old female does this with (and ONLY with) our two cats. It’s beyond adorable.
As a pibble-lab mix, we only get half the nibbles, but when the do, they are usually in the ear. My ear ☺
My pitbull King does this and it’s so cute! He just nibbles my hands and fingers. I love it
Aww my baby lulu does this to my face when giving me kisses ❤️ What an honor
Mila Kunis (the 4 legged one) or as I call her my cinnamon girl. Joy,joy……..My right hand pinky is halfway amputated. This has become her nibbly thingy. Now and then it gets rough and with a “Hey” I get a very sheepish look as to say sorry. Red nose all the way. Ex-cop and German Sheppard orientated, I will never go back. Still love them though.
If you’ve never owned one you will never understand the crazy stuff they do pibble nibbles,zoomies laying on you like tey can’t get close enough.Sleeping under the covers and especially the loving and loyal dogs they are
I’ve beet a pitty hero since my first rescue a trouble maker of the litter aways push away not a but mischievous pup and I named him Pokey best buds for 17 years and I still get eyed.Raise around 2 generatios children and the pibble nibble was his teaching tool for tail pulling lol but its true and I’m64 still rescueing fur babys now I have 5 l9ve thr canine Thank you my Gary Jetton.
My Pitty hasnt done this, but I had a Rottie that did. We called it nimmels!
My Pitt rescue was 3 to 4 years old when I adopted him. He didn’t nibble at the start of our relationship. Took maybe a year for him to get comfortable. My granddaughter’s friend said it was stress. Now I know better!! He is such a sweetheart ??
In our house we call it ‘Live Nibs’. It’s always felt like they’re injecting love into you. They do it at bedtime a lot and besides doing it to us, they’ll inject their love into our pillows and blankets. It’s so endearing. We feel so loved by their ‘Love Nibs’.
My baby nibble on every new toy or blanket or pillow I get him always a little corner that’s it then he is happy. I thought it was weird and funny but now I understand. Thanks for the info. I’m so blessed with my baby.
Best dog ever although he things he’s human ???
My rescue bully pit Luna is almost 4 and is still Pitbull nibbling she is an angel I now have three pit bulls and was a firm believer they were very vicious dogs my oldest is 6 and 89 pounds and just finished raising a kitten and they still sleep together after a year my black American pitbull Giovanna is wonderful all three of them such loving generous loyal dogs to everyone to children if I could go back in my life I would have had all pitbulls and get kibble nibble forever I hope the world can see what loving and tender affection and animals they are!!!
The Pibble Nibble , has been with me my whole life. Have only had American Pitbull Terriers they have all been gentle with kids. My Joleen I have now a three year old APBT . She’s amazing, best dogs in the world.
My Freddy does this especially when it’s bedtime, it’s so cute he never destroys his toys.
I often wondered why he was doing this now I know.
Freddy, does especially at bedtime.
My sweet Pitbull nibbles me. And I never knew what it meant. I thought of it as searching for fleas or something. So thank you so much for letting me know what this really means.
Pibble nibble is always available from our Mag who absolutely loves everybody. The most gentle dog ever! Love pitties and your site. Thank you! You can check him out here: Magzilla.blog.
This stream of comments makes me smile. I have 2, a male 15ish a female 10+. Any of us who share life with dogs not just Pitts are blessed. But having had so many dogs in my 70 years, all different breeds, some muttly types , i can honestly say Pitts hold special places in my ❤. Bubba at his ripe old age still acts like a goofy pup. Yup he nibbles on the quilt at nap time ,and me occasionally, reverting to puppyhood is common for.bull breeds, ive even seen him replaying nursing his mother when he sleeps and dreams of his first days. Fox the female, is bossy,very much a lady, nibbles Bubba. She can be as squirrelly as they come, but in her sleep she hears the call of ancestors and replys with head back a moan that can send a chill up ones spine.
Pitts are very human needy, very intune, very stubborn sometimes but if cared for, loved as unconditionally as they love back, theres no finer or honorable breed,
Good on ya, if you have let one of these noble creatures allow you to share their space….thank you to all who ? them!
My Bella nibbles on blankets, arms, toys.. pretty much anything… she can do think for minutes at a time! Love her so much ❤️
Mine I’ll be 4 this summer and I didn’t notice until this pay year (among other behavioral changes both good and bad). She has been more go aggressive lately on walks in a leash, but still awesome at day care, and always great with young puppies (even on leashed walks – lives that new puppy smell). I started to native the pibble nibble on anticipation of throwing the ball in the yard, inside it’s more about snuggles. She’s the best decision in my life and while I’ve never been scared of pitties, my family was, but now they know how amazing they are.
Our 3 TE old big goofball does this all the time, we call it “nizzles” (nibble+nuzzle) and it can happen anytime…to a person, to the comforter, to a pillow…anything soft when he is 82 pounds of happy buttwagging pibbleness…
I like to nibble on my pit bull sometimes
Awesome comments I’m a pitbull lover born and breed the best breed anyone can have…. very loving loyal and lap dog… they are like big kids
My pibble nibbles me a lot! I never knew the origin, it looked like the “gnawing of the fleas” that I have seen other dogs do (mine too before modern flea meds). Buffy “eats my fleas” all the time, and as a sign of affection, I nibble her right back! It’s pretty strange, but we are so close it’s just funny now.
I have two 11 yr old pit bulls. One does not give pibble nibbles, the other pibble nibbles on my ear lobe. Lol.
My boy Riley came wandering in the yard dying of hunger and Parvo. He smelled sick and was a skeleton. We nursed him back to health, got his shots and fixed. . . and now he follows me wherever I go. Sometimes I take him in my truck around the block just to give him a ride. But he always nibbles before bed, and when it’s finally time to sleep, he insists on climbing under the blankets and lays as close to me as he can, almost pushing me off the bed. He’s fascinated with running water, rabbits, and the garbage man. He barks and growls at anyone who approaches the fence, but is the sweetest guy we’ve ever had, and we’ve rescued over 30 runaways.
I rescued my beautiful blue boy, Kane, at approximately 4 months old. He started giving me Pibble Nibbles shortly thereafter. People think I’m crazy when I tell them I nibble him in return. Lol. Ok, so I don’t physically nibble him, but I do pretend to do it in his ears and on his cheeks and neck. It’s obvious by the dreamy-eyed look he gets that he loves when I return the affection. I just feel as though it strengthens our bond.
My cutie loves bubble wrap. She goes along the bubbles like eating corn on the cob!!! Can’t wait for anyone in the family to open a delivered package hoping it will contain bubble wrap. One of the cutest things she does!!!
Our girl, Roxy, is a pitbull husky mix. She corncobs my chin all the time! I’m getting used to it and it’s become a sign of love rather than something scary.
Thank you for this! We rescued our Poppy girl in June. After a month or two, we noticed she nibbled on stuff – clean laundry, blankets, toys, seams, etc. I didn’t know this was why! I thought it had something to do with self soothing, like a kiddo who sucks their thumb. While we receive plenty of snuggles and kisses, we’ve yet to receive a nibble. One day 🙂
I’m so happy I found this. It’s so nice to know that my girl is just feeling safe and secure when she nibbles. She’s a rescue and has been through a lot and it warms my entire heart to know that we can help her feel peace. Thank you for sharing.
My pit mix baby does this to our older lab. Now it makes it seem so ? cute! Thank you!
My max will sealbump my chin and nibble it. He only does this to me. Lol and it is not to hurt me. Why does he do this to only me???
my first pibble nibble was kinda painful but so loving. i was wearing a hoodie with rolled up sleeves and my dog started nibbleing me where it was rolled up and yeah he accidentally pinched me hehe there was a mark for at least two days. Hes so darn cute i love him head to toe
My sweet girl nibbles on my two kittens! It’s so adorable and I’ve always wondered why she does this. Thanks for sharing this!!
My pibble “baby corns” his pookies and blankets!???
Our rescue dog is a boxer/Pit mix. She always nibbles either the bed or the other dog when she plays, and us too!
I have just adopted my first Pitbull he’s 1 yr 4 mo he came home with me Friday. He’s nibbling his blanket and nice to know why. I have also learned about the Zoomies. Which has been interesting. ?
My 6 month old does this mostly when you can tell he needs affection but it’s most intense right before bed. A good 5 min of nose nudging and nibbling on my hands and arms and he’s out cold
My PB is now 2 years old, we got him (Loki) at a year and a half. He was a rescue, abused and almost starved to death.
He started his nibbles 2-3 months ago.
He is very protective but at the same time super lovable. All the kids where we live constantly call him, him him hugs, kisses, rubs, etc and he loves it.
My pit mix has been doing this for 14 years of her life. She usually gets cozy in bed and will nibble on the blankets or a pillow. It definitely is a soothing mechanism for her. God I love my dog so much!
I received one pibble nibble after another as I walked down an aisle of adoptable dogs at the Sacramento animal shelter. Sadly but all-too-predictably, almost all of them were pits. We need to end the breed discrimination that leads to so many of these sweet nibblers ending up at shelters!
Our 13-year-old pibble does this to the puppy when they’re play-fighting. We figure it’s his way of saying “I’m gonna get ya.”