This is Why the Dog Shows or Pushes its Bum to Us

Our four-legged friends can do all sorts of strange things that we may not know how to deal with. They can regularly sit on our feet, spin around in excitement, and even push their bum closer to us than they should. Getting a dog's bum in your face at happy reunions is not necessarily the most pleasant experience.

When dogs show their bum, it is a complex signal, both physiologically and socially. Most of us probably know that this is where the anal glands are located, so when dogs sniff each other's bottoms they are actually trying to get information from the pheromones in the glands. But why do dogs sometimes show their bums to us humans?

The gesture has a complex meaning

The root of behaviour

As alluded to above, dogs sniff each other's bums as part of the introduction. Humans may find this strange or embarrassing, but it is an effective routine for a dog. The anal glands, located under the skin around the dog's anus, carry information such as the dog's eating habits, health, mood, drinking habits, age and even stress levels. Smell can therefore be used to gather a wealth of useful information about each other. And not just about each other, about us too!

Dogs get information by sniffing each other's bottoms

Here are some of the reasons why your dog may show us his bum

1) Avoiding conflict

Showing your backside during introductions can help to avoid conflict, as there is no direct eye contact which could cause a dominance struggle. Experts say that because this form of greeting may be natural for dogs, it can sometimes be assumed that humans may feel the same way.

2) Expression of trust

Turning your dog's face away can be a sign of complete trust; it certainly doesn't feel threatened by your presence. The dog will then gently touch us with its hips or buttocks, or passively wait with its back to us. A four-legged friend who does not feel comfortable in our company will not turn his back, as this would make him feel vulnerable.

If the dog presses its bottom against us, i.e. turns its face away from us, it can also be a sign of trust

3.) Expression of desire to own

Another possible reason why our little friends show us their bums is that they are trying to mark us. The odour molecules released by the pheromone glands in their tails have a signalling value to other conspecifics. This is similar to marking with urine. This technique is used to secure their position against other dogs. This is perfectly normal, they just want to show how important we are to them.

4) Expressing the desire to scratch

Most dogs expressly enjoy being scratched on the back, at the base of the tail. If he approaches us with his bottom, he may want us to scratch him in that area.

Many dogs particularly enjoy being scratched at the base of the tail

Encouraging behaviour

Behaviour is perfectly normal and acceptable. In no way should we take offence if our dog would rather sit on our feet or press its bottom against us than lick our face. And it may not even be that healthy! You can read our related article here. This behaviour does not mean that he wants to control us. In fact, the opposite is true: it shows that he trusts us and knows we won't hurt him. It is a gesture of love, friendship and trust.

If your dog shows his bottom too much

If your dog is really persistent and is so vehement about squeezing your bottom that it knocks you or the children over, don't punish it! Our pets often don't realise that someone could get hurt in the process of lovingly greeting them. Instead, give them more attention and affection at this time, scratch them, stroke them, avoiding more intense activity. However, if necessary, you can consult a vet, a dog trainer or even a behaviourist. They can help to develop a relationship that is satisfactory for everyone.

If, in addition to the above, your four-legged friend shows other behavioural patterns, such as rubbing his bottom on the carpet or grass, it is worth consulting a vet to rule out parasite infections or, for example, inflammation of the scent gland.