If you have a dog, you are probably interested in the reasoning behind some of their unusual tendencies. Here at The Canine Expert, we are frequently asked to write about strange dog behavior and explain what causes it. Today we are going to review the tendency of dogs to bow their heads when y0u pet them. We hope you enjoy this topic, and if you have any questions feel free to ask us down below in the comments.

Why do dogs bow their heads when you pet them?

The reason dogs bow their head when you pet them has a lot to do with their primal instinct. This stance of bowing their head and sticking their back side up in the air is also common in wolves and jaguars. The act of bowing is in fact a communication tool used to tell other animals or people that the dog is in a playful mood. The reason a dog does this when you pet them is because when you pet them the dog is very stimulated. This causes your dog to get very excited, and it is simply his instinct to bow his/her head and show you that he/she is ready to play.

The gesture of bowing is also common when a dog wants to play with another dog. They will bow their head, and then jump to the side in an attempt to fire up the other dog. Some dogs will also bow their head if they want something from you. Bowing the head is a common behavior for a dog that wants to play catch.

Should I be worried if my dog bows his head when I pet him

Absolutely not. The bowing of the head is 100% natural, and is a behavior that dogs have been exhibiting for thousands of years. If your dog bows its head, it is most likely just a sign of affection. He most likely just wants to get your attention to let you know that he wants to play.