Expert: Alan J Turner, SATS LL1 - 10/6/2006

Question
Hi - I have a 1 yr old English Springer named Francesca. I have had her since she was 7 weeks old. She does this weird thing when I am on the couch and my leg is hanging over - she likes to lean against my foot and somewhat rub her hind quarters against me. Not like she is scratching though. She also likes to lift her leg and put my foot underneath her two hind legs and then she just stands there. I think it's odd behavior. Can you enlighten me as to what she is doing?

Answer
Hi Michael,
It's refreshing to hear a question from one who is just curious to learn and not stressed about unwanted behaviors. Thank you.

To social mammals,touch is very important. We all know what happens to a human baby that does not experience the cuddling and touch that is afforded most babies during sensitive developmental periods.

Dogs that seek out touch could be seeking touch just for the sake of being touched- or it could be related to anxiety - or it could be control issue. The fact that Francesca places pressure against your body is a form of communication. Unveiling her likely motivations would require more information.

Is she compliant with obedience commands or is she somewhat defiant? Does she seek your touch (as in petting) by rooting her muzzle under your hand or arm or is she always trying to control your body by applying pressure? Does she ever block your path when you are leaving the house? Does she guard her toys or food? Has she ever growled at you - not in play but as a warning? IS she afraid of thunder? Does she have separation issues? All these quesitons would help me to determine why she is touching you as described.

Just for fun - when she straddles yor foot, say nothing, move your leg and straddle her body with your two legs. I'm guessing she'll move away.

The rubbing probably just feels good to her - the straddling might be her creative method of keeping tabs on your movements with little effort on her part.

Just for fun, get a childs sweatshirt and place it on her. Make sure it is touching her all over - not tight tight tight - but snug (a safety pin or two on the shirt along her back will work well for this). Observe how she reacts initially - then in 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes et cetera. - Is she calmer or more active? This will not specifically tell you why she touches but it could give me hints.  

Check out the book, Canine Massage - A Complete Reference Manual by by Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt. It's amazing how a massage program can change our bonds with our dogs. I recommend that everyone start such a program.  Thanks for the question - Happy Training!
AT