Dogs often use oral contact to express friendliness and excitement when playing games with their owners or other dogs. This "fake biting" behavior is often a relaxing way of socializing and shows that the dog is happily engaged in play. This is not an act of aggression, but a way of expressing emotion.

Dogs may attract their owners' attention by "fake bites". This behavior is often caused by the dog's desire for the owner's attention and interaction, and "fake biting" becomes a means to attract the owner's attention.