2 odd behaviors

[alessadry]

My female Rottie is turning 6 months this month and lately has started to display two odd behaviors.
1) Everytime my husband or I approach to pet her she will always get a toy, stick, or whatever possible (last time she was almost getting her poop, lol!) in her mouth while being petted. When we are in another room she will be waiting for us with a toy in her mouth. What does this mean? My idea is perhaps she is trying to show her trust by "sharing" something with us? Another thought was maybe she still recalls the "no bite" command from when she was smaller and keeps something in her mouth so she does not mouth? It is just odd, and if there is nothing in sight she will look for something.

2) This other behavior I am not sure if needs corrected or not. Whenever my other male pup arrives to be pet she will push him away with her bum or I have seen her literally sit on his face with her bum when waiting for my husband or I to approach. I am thinking she may be the dominant one, but does this start so early? He doesn't even complain about it! Should I not let her do this to him or let them deal with it? They spend different times with me training, playing etc so they each get a chance to develop appropiately.
Thanks for any insights!

[crazyonehuh]

Sounds like you have a happy dog! She may feel comfort in having a toy handy at all times. Myself, I have toys all over the place for my pup. I keep her favorite kong out of reach as we use it for training praisal (sp). I think its great to have such a happy pup. If you instist on this being "odd" behavior, then you can try to correct it. As with any behavior you don't want your dog to do. You need to teach her the expected behavior. But really...Happy dog!

As for your bitch being dominant...she is doing what comes natural and following her instincts. Every household with a dog has a heirarchy. She is just showing where she is in this area. Just like she knows who the alpha is in your house. Its clear with my pup that I am the alpha here. She was brought to our home at ten weeks. Had her for about 2 months and we rescued a red heeler. Ezabell is clearly dominant over Rascal (rh) but submisive to me.
So its sounds like both issues aren't to much of a concern. Just dogs being dogs

[SABELLESMOM]

Well, at my house, having a toy means, "Please play with me!" or "I'm ready for what ever you want to do."

Yes, she could be remembering the not biting trick... but I'd rather think it's an invitation to play. She's found a non-bossy way to tell you.

Most of the time, since they ask so nicely, I play. But there are times I don't feel like it. I just say "Later, please." and they wait happily.

Of course she's being gently dominant, reminding him of his position. He's saying "OK, I know...No big deal." Just so you know, many, many times the female remains the dominant one. Yes, even over the male. They put the apron on and rule the roost. It's natural. They work things out on their own, usually without fuss.

I consider myself as having dominion, rather than "alpha." I am not a dog, nor a pack member. I am human. I teach. I train. I stop anything I don't like. I care for them. I provide for them. And I love them and treat them fairly, with kindness and consistency. I use positive training methods. Now, don't worry, it's just a quirk of mine. Nothing personal is intended.

[GypsysMom]

Gypsy is the same way with Cash when Im petting him, she butts him right out of the way, even if she was busy with something else before me petting him, I just make her sit on one side of me and him the other I can pet them both then and no fights over who gets moms attention.. As sabbellesmom stated she rules the roost, and that is how it is in my house.. sometimes if my husband calls Cash over to him, he will look at Gypsy as if he needs her permission..

[CleasMommy]

Same thing in my house. Clea likes to butt Dozer out of the way anytime I pet him or try to give him some affection. So same thing with Clea, she can sit on one side and Dozer on the other and they can both get some loving...

I don't know how people do it with more than 2 dogs!!!

[moz205]

With Rommel, anyone he knew that came into the house got a "present". He'd go crazy looking for something to give to them, including dirty socks etc. He would be so proud of himself and drop it right into their hands and sit. If I asked him where my "present" is he'd do the same thing for me.
My friend has 2 dogs and one will outsmart the other by picking up a toy and bringing it to the other side of the room so the other will follow and leave the visitor. Buckley will then race back to the visitor for his pets while Jack is otherwise engaged with his toy. Jack hasn't caught on yet.

[abbiesdogs]

Lottie always greets us with her ball to play and when dillon comes for fuss it's not long before lotties butt is in the way so we move her to other side so both of them get strokes and scratches. I suppose if you had more dogs you would have to use your feet aswell.lol
Abbie

[CleasMommy]

I hadn't thought about using the feet! I guess you'd have to! :)

[Cdn1050]

If she greets you with a toy in her mouth, she's trying to initiate play time. My dog will greet me with her favourite toy (a Cuz ball). I ignore her as I want to be the one to initiate when play time starts and when it ends. The only problem is when I ignore her and forget to say later, I sometimes get a Cuz ball thrown at my butt.

[peachesandchubby]

Peaches is clearly the dominate of my two. Chubby is the love bucket always wanting to be near me to get lovins and Peaches is the "I wanna play, I wanna play" one till she gets tired then she also tries to push him aside, with her butt also, to get to me.

[alessadry]

Wow, looks like females rule in the canine world! I am surprised to learn there are so many female dogs butting their way for being petted. Mine will also put her butt on his head and sit on top of him, lol! No wonder female dogs are called bitches!