Your dog might be playing, excited, seeking attention, or simply trying to feel safe.
At first, I thought it was a genuine mistake. I only knew rams would headbutt! I was mowing my lawn, and my dog was playing nearby. The next minute I had a BAM on my leg.
I was shocked! Did my dog just headbutt me? I was confused. My dog ran around and came to headbutt me again, but I evaded. So, why does my dog headbutt me?
Your dog might headbutt you just to get your attention, play or even feel safer. It’s natural for dogs to headbutt. The reason for headbutting might be different, but it’s nothing to get you worried.
Dogs can headbutt their owners for a number of reasons. Head-butting is not new in the animal world. Various dog breeds are widely known for headbutting.
Join me as we discuss why dogs headbutt.
Is It Normal For Dogs To Headbutt You?
In a way, it is pretty normal for dogs to headbutt you. Headbutting is quite common in animals. And, after all, dogs are animals. Most dog owners can assume the behavior.
However, there is a reason for the dog’s headbutting. It is totally normal behavior. If you own a large dog breed, you can even feel pain.
You might think there is something wrong with your dog. This behavior is quite common in dogs. Just because your dog has never headbutted, you do not make the behavior abnormal.
Dog breeds like the Australian Shepherd, Pitbull, Blue Heelers, and the Great Pyrenees are known to headbutt the most. Your dog might be playing peacefully, and the next minute BAM! You’re headbutted.
The behavior is quite common, which leads us to our main question. Why does my dog headbutt me? We shall answer that shortly in detail.
Why Does My Dog Headbutt Other Dogs?
Dogs use their bodies to communicate in several ways. If your dog is headbutting other dogs, it can be doing so to instigate play. This is the case, especially when you see the other dog enjoying it.
Apart from headbutting, dogs use their paws to instigate play. You’ve probably seen a dog place its paws on your arm and then run away.
Dogs also headbutt other dogs as a way of showing dominance. The dog eventually rests his head on top of the other dog to show its dominance. If the other dog resists, it’s headbutted.
Dogs might also headbutt other dogs when in a fight. It is not just in raws and sheep where headbutts are used in a fight. They can combine their claws with their head when fighting.
Why Does My Dog Headbutt Me?
Don’t just be angry at your dog. Instead, get to understand why it did so. Below, I’ll discuss common reasons why your dog headbutts you.
Your dog wants to play
It is likely your dog wants to play. This is the case if your dog is full of energy. You can easily know they want to play if they show signs of excitement.
This can also happen when they are playing with other dogs. You can see the other dogs enjoying the headbutt. You can headbutt you to initiate a game.
You need to be careful as they can hurt you by landing on your face.
Seeking attention
Headbutting from our canine friends can be a way of seeking your attention. This can be the reason if you’ve not been giving it much attention.
Does your dog look sad and bored? It might be that the dog wants to be included in whatever you’re doing. Let the dog calm down and give it attention.
Showing love
Most dog owners are used to their dogs licking or love biting as a way of showing affection. However, headbutting can also be a way for dogs to express their love.
Are they showing you their head frequently? Go ahead and scratch it gently. This behavior is common when you’re sitting next to your dog.
Separation anxiety
This behavior is common, especially when you’re away from your dog for hours. The dog usually runs at you when leaving the house and headbutts you.
When you arrive home after work, the dog might also rush at you and headbutt you. The excitement of seeing you back can cause an adrenaline rush making the dog headbutt you.
Consider such headbutts as dogs being anxious or just a welcome hug.
Studies have shown that dogs get excited when you come home and come closer to smell you instead of focussing on your face.
Herding you
Yes, you heard it right! Your dog might be herding you. This is a common behavior among herding breeds like the German Shepherd Border Collies and Corgis.
Your dog might feel like you’re moving out of the pack. You’ve probably seen dogs herd cattle. It is an instinct for some dogs to herd.
For example, if you’re heading outside and the dog wants you to remain inside the house, they might headbutt you as a way of preventing you from leaving.
It makes dogs feel safer
Dogs feel safer when around familiar dogs and people. This is natural as they evolved as a pack of animals. Just think of a pack of wolves.
Your dog might want to feel safer by being close to you. The simple act of headbutting you makes them feel close and safer.
It wants something from you
Is it time for a walk, and you’re delaying? Your dog might be reminding you it’s time for an evening walk. If the behavior is frequent at certain times of the day, it’s likely your dog is telling you something.
Is it time for a meal? If you forget to feed it, it might headbutt you to remind you about its meal. Dogs are quite intelligent and can stare in certain directions to tell you what they want.
Wants to stop or keep doing whatever you’re doing
If you were scratching your dog under the belly and then suddenly stop, it can headbutt to ask for more. If the dog was enjoying the experience and you stopped it, headbutts to ask you to continue doing it.
However, it can also mean the opposite. Your dog might be asking you to stop it. You just have to be careful and read the signs well.
For example, your dog might not be in the mood for cuddles. Headbutting might be a gentle way of saying NO.
Spreading its scent on you
Dogs mark their territories by spreading their scents on you. Dogs have sweat glands on their noses. If the headbutt feels more like a rub, then they are rubbing their scent on you.
They are just being territorial and marking their owners. If other animals smell the scent, they will keep away.
Feeling unwell
If your dog is feeling unwell, it can rub its head against you as a way of seeking comfort. Take a closer look for signs of discomfort and illness.
Common signs of illness in dogs include loose stools, being less active, vomiting, and refusing to eat.
If the dog also headbutts objects and walls, it can signify neurological diseases. Check to see if your dog has auto-immune diseases, seizures, and spinal infections.
These are just a few of the reasons why your dog headbutts you. If it’s nothing serious, most dogs will outgrow the behavior.
How to Stop Your Dog From Head Butting You
If your dog loves headbutting to seek attention or just play, then it is important to stop the behavior. Some headbutts might feel great and enjoyable for owners.
However, you need to curb the behavior as it can result in serious facial injuries. Here are a few tips to stop your dog from headbutting you.
Don’t encourage it:
If you happen to reward your dog with a headbutt, then stop it. If the dog is seeking attention, ask it to lay down or go away. If you headbutt it, you’ll be encouraging the behavior.
If the dog is charging towards you for a headbutt, ignore it and walk away. Give them attention only when they’ve calmed.
Keep feed and exercise times:
Make sure you feed your dog at the usual time. Your dog might be headbutting you because they are hungry. Ensure they don’t miss meals and exercise them frequently.
Give them attention:
Don’t ignore your dog throughout the day. Take time during the day and play with your dog, pet it, take it for a walk, and much more.
Know what they want:
Understanding the reason for the headbutt can help you stop it. Check through our listed signs and see if any makes your dog headbutt you.
You need to make sure your dog is fed at the right times, taken for a walk, and feels safe.
Get dog training buttons:
Teach your dogs how to respond to various issues they might have. For example, you can teach your dog to press a button when it wants to leave the house.
Conclusion
Your dog headbutting you can be worrying, but certainly not abnormal. Dogs, just like most animals can head butt other dogs and humans.
It can be your dog is showing love, seeking attention, wants to play, hungry or just anxious. Get to know the reason for the headbutt and take steps to stop it.
The behavior is normal in dogs. It is one of the signals dogs use to comunicate. You just need to investigate the real reason forthe headbutt.
