Bonding or Dominance?

[LICrottie]

Quick question for everyone. If I am sitting ont he couch or floor watching TV Josie will often come over and lay on me or put her paw on my foot and lay at my feet while she chews on a bone or toy. I always thought this was a sign of her trying to be dominant, but a friend told me she is trying to bond.

Anyone know?

[Patty1231]

I'm a new rottie owner but from everything I've read this is just rottie behavior, not a dominance issue. Does she follow you into the bathroom, too? Mine does!

[LJSmith]

I think they do it so that they know when you are moving. That way they can follow you around, even to the bathroom. Our puppy does this and I thought it was a dominance thing also. We are in an eternal game of canine-human patty cake. It cracks my wife up. I think it is probably partly dominace on his part, but I can handle a paw.

[Judi W]

Actually, no single action stands on its own. For some dogs this might be a sign of dominance - pinning you in place; for others a sign of insecurity - needing that contact for comfort; for still others it might simply be the the same type of companionship that pups get by snuggling up against one another in the litter.

You must always look at the Gestalt .

[Rott-Wiley]

I wouldn't get too hung up on this being a dominance issue unless it is only one of many issues the dog does have. If you have a good strong working relationship with your dog then something like this is more of a social thing. I would be more concerned if the dog was constantly trying to put their head over your body or standing over you looking down (as in constantly trying to to be above you).

[spidey]

I agree with Judi and Rott-Wiley. IMO, "dominance" is often assumed to be the root of all kinds of individual behaviours which may or may not have anything to do with it. In a dog with dominance issues, behaviour like this might be cause for concern (as part of a bigger picture of dominant behaviour), but in most dogs, it's probably just the dog being sociable and wanting to touch you (and, as LJSmith says, so that they can feel if you move - Rakki does this). Most dogs are very tactile animals, and like to be in contact with their pack.

[RJS30]

My dog does this as well. Or while I'm watching TV, he'll come and plop his 90 pound butt on my foot and look up at me as to let me know he wants attention. I think it's just a bonding thing myself. Sometimes he will even bark at me when I ignore him.

[Carina43]

Don't be misled into thinking that just because she's a Rottweiler you have to be vigilant for the dreaded "Dominance" all the time!

Cooper does this when we're driving - he either lies in the front seat and puts his paw on my leg, or lies in the back with his head between the seats right next to me. He's very respectful and I assume it's just affection or something. Dutch will get pushy with the pawing and head-on-the-lap demanding to be petted if we let him - with him it's just...being pushy!

So I agree that you have to look at the whole picture. Sounds to me like she's just being affectionate. :)

[Rob75]

My Rottie will take my wifes hand and try to lead her to where he wants her to be. But if one of us is on the couch he likes to lay by us. Are other Rottie would get up several times a night and go around and check on everyone while they slept.

[Brooke&Ryan]

Originally posted by Carina43
Don't be misled into thinking that just because she's a Rottweiler you have to be vigilant for the dreaded "Dominance" all the time!

I couldn't have said it better myself, Carina!

:)
Brooke

[Greg_1111]

Rotties are often referred to as "velcroe dogs" They like to be with their human family members lol. If he starts to block your path by lying in front of entrances or walkways and not moving when you approach, then that might be a dominance related thing. A good way to prevent dominance is to give commands and train regularly. They can't be dominant when they are doing things for you or taking orders. They will become dominant if you don't display leadership.