I do doggy daycare for my two granddoglets every day. They've been a part of our lives for many years. The mother dog is 12, and her daughter is 8. They are blue healer mixes. Both dogs have a need to always carry something in their mouths.
This is particularly true when greeting people. The item could be a toy, a piece of paper,...even a rock or leaf...just something. They do not want you to take the item from them. Does anyone have similar experiences? Have you any idea why they do this?
