Why Your Dog Rubs Its Butt on You

1 Overview

Occasions

On the bed, sofa, car, or elsewhere, a dog may rub its butt on you, and on any part of you.

Smart friends noticed: unlike cats, a dog can rub you anytime and its butt can hit any part.

If in bed, it will likely sit on your face.

If standing, it may sit on your foot or rub its butt on your leg.

Of course, it may also sit on your face again.

The behavior

We all know dogs communicate by sniffing each other’s rear ends.

This behavior avoids conflict between strange dogs; the rear-sniff is both communication and respect on meeting.

So the butt is like a human hand to a dog; you shake hands with a new friend to show friendliness.

Rubbing and shaking

Whether rubbing its butt on you or giving a twerk, one thing is certain:

This dog sees you as a good friend.

Unlike other animals, a dog offers its back to a trusted friend, proving it is a team-player by nature.

Another possibility

Rare, but for some timid dogs, rubbing you may mean something else.

A dog’s butt emits its own scent, so it may mark you this way, telling other dogs: this is my good friend, do not steal him.

The most common scene is on walks: many dogs play together, yet yours keeps rubbing your calf. Simply, it fears other dogs will take you.

If it does this often outside, give gentle verbal encouragement when it rubs, helping it meet more friends, as this shows both attachment and some social fear.

So when it rubs you, give it some affection.