Anyone have ANY ideas what could be going on here? Anyone ever had any experience with this?

is the pedal made out of wood?

[lil mutt]

that's odd this is the first time i heard a dog do something like that...

It's obsession.

One of my dogs had this issue, only it was feet & shoes. If you allowed, it she would lick the inside of your shoes or your feet for HOURS... nasty right?

It's from lack of attention, exercise, and pure boredum.

Redirect the behavior and continue a good exercise routine. Young or Old all dogs need some type of physical energy burn.

Originally Posted by jacko

is the pedal made out of wood?

No, they're brass, I think. We're wondering if it's some kind of mineral deficiency? But yeah, maybe just boredom...he used to lick his paws, but now it's the pedals and he's been doing it for months now.

Originally Posted by joyanna

maybe just boredom...he used to lick his paws, but now it's the pedals and he's been doing it for months now.

When he used to lick his paws did you give him attention? He may be finding a way to seek attention that has now lead to obession.

Correct & Redirect the behavior. Be sure to provide lots of attention or else he will seek negative attention then this won't even work. If that's the case approach him from the side, hold something wonderful (i.e. treat, toy) then walk away with the food or squeeking the toy.

Obsessions are hard to break. He'll need constant supervision. Still do this day I have to say "ah!... enough..." to one of our dogs. Just like chewing, licking can be a bad habit.

Maybe your dog likes the cold of the metal. Possibly put one of his rubber toys in the freezer for a few hours, then give it to your dog. Maybe have your dog's teeth checked?

[beks]

sounds more to me like a lack of vitiman or mineral, i've herd a few times from different sources that when a dog starts licking odd things, like funiture/carpets/clothes... perhaps piano pedals...that it is a sign of lack of nutriton...vitimans, mineral..........

Sounds like the dog has OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) to me.... and yes, dogs can and do get it. Just like people do. Some also believe that dogs do this as a type of attention seeking behavior. It would probably be best to take the dog to the vet, just in case there is some type of underlining health issues going on there.

I wish you the very best of luck!

It does sound like OCD, but because your dog is elderly it could also be geriatric cognitive disfunction, or bad teeth. Have your vet examine your dog, and be sure to mention this odd behavior. Bad teeth and mouth infections can be treated, as can cognitive disfunction and OCD.

I agree with Deleigh. It was a bad habit that has grown into an obsession.
Just my 2 cents. :-D