Ever since he was a puppy he's had the habit of burying his head into me and pushing like a bulldozer when I'm loving him up. I did a lot of bonding things with him during his first days/weeks here at Rancho Red. Is it just a puppy left-over that's remained because I reinforced it so it continues? It clearly seems like an affection giving/getting behavior, but, I was curious, anyone familiar with this?
Amber Morgan Webboard User Reg: 10-18-2006
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Loc: St. Louis, MO
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I guess that would depend on whether your dog shows any other signs of dominance. If he's just a big love ball, then it's probably like the "lean" that Goldie's do during affection. Or play stuff.
It *could* be considered dominant behavior though. Any other signs?
Martin Espericueta Webboard User Reg: 02-07-2006
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Loc: Central Valley, CA, USA
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My GSD bitch, Sable has turned 14 months - and she does just that
with me as I pet her. She'll bury her head in between my knees w/her
tail waging. She is in no way dominant (very soft dog), nor does she
test me in any way.
IMHO, this is just her/their way of giving love back.
Amber:
Good point. Usually his tongue's hanging out of his mouth, tail wagging, big dopey look as he weaves between my legs and arms if he can. Generally trying to get as much body contact as possible.
I don't believe it's dominance, but I wondered if it had any signifigance other than it's face value affection.
While I was replying to Amber I realized others were responding. It's par for the course behavior.
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
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Quote: Red Thomas
Amber:
Good point. Usually his tongue's hanging out of his mouth, tail wagging, big dopey look as he weaves between my legs and arms if he can. Generally trying to get as much body contact as possible.
I don't believe it's dominance, but I wondered if it had any signifigance other than it's face value affection.
While I was replying to Amber I realized others were responding. It's par for the course behavior.
Like Amber, I would look at all his behavior. If he's not dominant in any other behavior, I'd assume this was just what you think.
Saffron K. Hall Webboard User Reg: 01-24-2003
Posts: 384
Loc: Austin TX
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Red
Reminds me of my last male gsd....he was a tank and used to do the same thing with me, especially the head smushing in between the knees when I was sitting down. He would smush his nose sideways on my knee as I skritched his ears and snort like a piggly-thing.......'sigh' I miss that great brutish head! Actually I miss the whole of him.....he was a warrior and my right arm for 10 years. sometimes this board is so awesome....then it about makes me want to cry!
Sounds like love to me, especially with the dopey look on his face, they usually reserve that stuff for family!
Melissa Hoyer Webboard User Reg: 05-09-2005
Posts: 1340
Loc: SE Michigan
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My 5 year old, Grace, has always done this too...and she is a very soft dog, not dominant at all. She just "shmooshes" herself into me and does her moaning and groaning routine...don't mind it, except when she does it while I'm sleeping!
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