There are a lot of discussions online about why do dachshunds cover your mouth and what it means. Some people say that it’s a sign of dominance, while others believe that it’s a way for the dog to show affection. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what experts have to say about this behavior and try to answer the question once and for all!
Is It For Dominance Or Affection?
There are a lot of people who believe that when a dachshund covers your mouth, it’s a sign of dominance. They may do this as a way to show you who is in charge or to assert their authority. While this is certainly one possibility, there is no definitive answer as to why they do this.
Another theory is that the dachshund is trying to show you some form of affection. This could be because they feel protective over you or because they want to comfort you. Again, there isn’t a definitive answer, but it’s definitely a possibility worth considering.
Anxiety
Others believe that this behavior could be due to anxiety. Dachshunds are a breed known to be prone to anxiety and stress, so it’s possible that they cover your mouth as a way of trying to calm themselves down.
Boredom
Another reason why dachshunds may do this is due to Boredom. They may be trying to get your attention in order to alleviate their boredom. It’s them saying they want your interaction and they are bored.
What Does The Research Say?
Unfortunately, there hasn’t been much research done on why do dachshunds cover your mouth. However, one study published in the journal “Animal Cognition” looked at this behavior in detail.
The study found that when dachshunds covered someone’s mouth, it was usually accompanied by other behaviors such as licking or sniffing the person’s face. The researchers believe that these behaviors could be an attempt by the dog to gather more information about the person they are interacting with.
What Does The Expert Say?
So what does an expert have to say about why do dachshunds cover your mouth? Well, Dr. Stanley Coren is a canine behaviorist who has written extensively on the topic. According to him, there are two possible reasons why a dachshund might do this.
The first reason is that the dog is trying to tell you something. It could be that they’re hungry, thirsty, or need to go outside. If the dog is trying to get your attention in this way, then it’s likely that they see you as the pack leader and are looking to you for guidance.
The second reason why a dachshund might cover your mouth is that they’re afraid. This could be because they’re feeling scared or threatened for some reason. If this is the case, then it’s likely that the dog doesn’t see you as the pack leader and doesn’t trust you.
Should You Encourage This Behaviour?
Whatever the reason why do dachshunds cover your mouth, some people may wonder if they should encourage this behavior.
Generally speaking, it’s best not to encourage any type of dominant behavior from your dog. This could lead to problems down the road and make it harder for you to train them.
If you think that your dachshund is covering your mouth out of anxiety, then you may want to consider encouraging this behavior. This could help to alleviate their anxiety and make them feel more comfortable around people.
Conclusion
There are a lot of different theories out there as to why do dachshunds cover your mouth, but the answer isn’t entirely clear. It’s possible that there are multiple reasons why they do this, including dominance, affection, anxiety, and boredom.
The best thing you can do is to observe your dog’s behavior and try to figure out why they’re doing it. If you’re not sure what to do, then consult with an expert who can help you decode your dachshund.
