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Attention, Worry, Need for Help? What are 9 Important Messages That a Dog’s Nose Indicates?
Our pup can express what he feels in several ways: he pokes into our hand with his nose, he bends his head into our lap, he snuggles next to us, he puts his head to our chest, or he curls up close to us while we sleep. Dogs may have different forms of communication, showing what they need or prefer. Now let’s see what poking a nose means.
Welcoming Us
Dogs are social creatures and can be very loyal to their owners, their families. But unfortunately, it is not always possible to be together 24 hours a day. With their enthusiastic greetings, however, they always make us feel how much they love us and how much they miss us when we are absent. Excited tail-wagging is inevitable, there are those who spin around and around, others dance on their hind legs, and there are dogs that grab their favorite toy between their teeth and carry it up and down as gifts. A drop of a gentler form of greeting is when the dog picks up our hands, feet, or where he reaches us with its nose. It’s like saying, “I’m so glad you’re home!”
Need for Attention
In a lucky situation, dogs quickly recognize the importance of the human hand. After all, that hand puts a feeding bowl full of delicacies in front of them, from that hand the reward comes, the caressing and the pleasant carassing. You may be familiar with the way our favorite “reached for our hands” and pokes his nose as if to ask, “Please don’t stop!”
I Love You!
One of the most adorable motivators of poking is when our favorite wants to express his love for us. Some breeds use this sign more often. Those who are more independent in nature may require less love, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t attached to us. The moment they poke their noses as a sign of their love becomes all the more valuable.
Worry
Our pets are extremely capable of attuning to our emotions and health. If you’re in a bad mood, don’t be surprised if your dog sneaks up to you and gently pokes his nose. And if you’re suffering from an illness and can barely get out of bed, he’ll most likely not forget to check on you from time to time. He sniffs, pokes his nose to see if you’re okay. So this way he lets you know that you are not alone, standing by you and taking care of you. “Just tell me, owner, if you need anything – I’ll be here!”
Asking for a Treat
Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner or a little snack in front of the TV, our pup would certainly love to taste it too. He turns to us and gently pokes his nose to express this intention. He looks at us with complete reverence as he glances at the food. If we take pity and give it to him, he will soon learn what to do for a little delicacy or treat. And in the future, he will consciously use it, he can poke his nose harder and use his paw as well, and then add his irresistible eyes. Be consistent and persevere with your determination, otherwise he can quickly grow on your head if he realizes that everything is available to him with that particular look (and a little whine).
Greeting a Friend
Some dogs use their noses more intensely when it comes to touch. More open, curious dogs can also be more courageous near strangers, sniff around, and, if sympathetic to them, poke their noses. However, not all of our fellow human beings are happy about this, especially if they are afraid of dogs. If our pup wants to meet someone at all costs, we’d rather ask if we can let them say hello.
Thanks to his very good smell, he also knows if there is something subtle in another owner’s pocket, in his hand. After the friendly greeting, he immediately returns to the point: he pokes his hand, his pants, and we almost hear him say, “I really want what you have. I ask for it! ”
Something Disturbs Him
It is practical to ask the owner for help in such a case. If your dog’s muzzle, eyes, nose, or ears itch, he can rub them over on the floor, furniture, outdoors, or in the grass to relieve discomfort. If he pokes into your hand, rubs his head, something may be stuck in his hair, or smth like insect may have entered his nose, eyes, or ears. Let’s take a close look and if you notice any unusual stuff, show the dig to a vet!
Dogs with longer hair can easily get food left on their cheeks, their beards may be wet after drinking – wipe clean and soak up moisture.
Even in rainy weather or after bathing, swimming, your favorite pet can poke his nose asking for wiping, because being wet isn’t so good after all.
He may also get a piece of food, a toy, or a stick between his teeth, so also look into his mouth for safety.
He Wants to Say Smth Important to You
Have your dog ever started poking half an hour in the morning before the alarm? On the one hand, he has a great sense of time, and on the other hand, a walk and / or breakfast is expected to follow, which he is excitedly waiting for. If we’re so tired we can’t hear the alarm, our dog can even put his paw and use his kisses – to guarantee our waking up.
We could also give an example when it’s time to walk during the day or evening, but we are just busy. Our favorite really wants to go out, so he comes up to us and pokes his nose, kind of warning, “Hey owner, it’s time, let’s go for a walk!”
The dog can also signal such simple things that he has run out of water in his bowl, rolled his ball under the bed, or is afraid of something and is looking for safety and protection from us. He can poke you when he hears something interesting, like ringing, but we didn’t notice. Thank you for indicating.
Expression of Subordination or Superiority
Some dogs may also poke to indicate that they are above the others. Or at least they want to get there. Sometimes it is also used against the owner, that is why it is important to settle the relationship, an experienced dog behavior specialist and trainer can help with positive reinforcement techniques. The strength and manner of touch can also indicate what the dog wants to achieve. If he persistently, almost violently pokes and exaggerates, kind of “I can still get what I want!” his attitude is conspicuous.
At the same time, he can also express his subordination through poking, but in such cases he very gently touches the muzzle of the dog in a higher position or the hand of the man. He simply touches with his nose, possibly pokes a little, licks it, kind of showing his respect for the other.
Summary
As we have seen, a pet can carry many messages in the form of doggy communication, and poking or touching is one of them. Knowing possible reasons and being attentive will make the bond between a dog and his owner even stronger.
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