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Why Does My Dog Sniff My Face? (Quick Answers)

Dogs are one of the most loyal animals in the world. That is why they are popular as pets. But just like other animals, dogs also have their unique characteristics.

Today, we are going to discuss about one of those unique characteristics and that is their tendency to sniff the face of their owner. We are going to find out the reasons behind this and also evaluate some possible solutions regarding this issue.

Why does my dog sniff my face?

Most of the times, a dog will sniff the face of its owner to get attention. The other reasons of a dog sniffing the owner’s face are hunger, curiosity, excitement and wanting to go outside. Dogs also like to transfer their scent to their owner by sniffing their face.

There are many reasons why your dog likes to sniff your face. Let’s discuss in detail about them about looking at different situations.

When I’m sleeping

First of all, let’s discuss why your dog likes to sniff your face when you are sleeping.

Being demanding:

One of the reasons why your dog might be sniffing you when you sleep is that dogs are expecting to get something from you.

It can be a treat or a walk into the park. So the dog will try to wake you up by sniffing your face in order to get what it wants. It is a common trait seen in almost all dogs. They will sniff the face of their owner when they are in need of something.

Out of habit:

The important thing to remember here is that dogs are natural sniffers. So they will not shy away from sniffing you even when you are sleeping.

Sniffing things is a part of their daily routine. So you do not have to get alarmed if your dog starts sniffing your face when you are sleeping.

Your dog likes you:

Dog likes to smell the scent of people who they like. So it might be a good thing if your dog sniffs your face when you are sleeping. It just shows the amount of affection it has towards you.

Out of care:

One great thing about dogs is that they are caring animals. So the reason why your dog might be sniffing your face when you are sleeping is that it is concerned about your wellbeing.

Transferring scent:

One of the traits of dogs is that they like to transfer their scent onto other things and people. So your dog might be sniffing your face when you are sleeping in order to transfer its unique smell onto you.

When I’m crying

Secondly, let’s see why your dog might be sniffing your face when you are crying.

To comfort you:

Dogs are compassionate animals and they will feel your sadness just by looking at you. So it is no surprise that your dog will sniff your face when you are crying to comfort you.

It is in the behavioral pattern of dogs to comfort their owners and sniffing the face of their owners is one of the ways of doing so.

To show affection:

Another reason why your dog might be sniffing your face while you are crying is to show its affection towards you. Your dog will make sure that you are not alone in your tough times and it loves you.

Randomly

Thirdly, let’s look at why your dog might be sniffing your face randomly.

Expecting a treat:

Your dog might start sniffing your face randomly in the middle of the day hoping for a treat. Dogs will let you know when they want something by sniffing your face instinctively.

Dogs like to have their meals on time and sniffing your face is one of the ways of letting you know about it.

Expecting a walk outside:

If your dog starts sniffing your face while you are inside the home, then it might mean that the dog wants you to take it outside.

Dogs like to be taken out on a walk in the park. Dogs need their playtime and they will start sniffing your face when they want to play.

Likes your smell:

It is believed by animal experts that dogs like the smell of their owners. So they will randomly sniff your face in the middle of the day out of habit. For dogs, It is also one of the ways of showing affection for their owners.

Lack of attention:

If your dog feels that it is not getting enough attention from you, then it will randomly start sniffing your face. Dogs are sensitive animals and they require constant attention.

In the morning

Lastly, let’s take a look at why your dog might be sniffing your face in the morning.

In order to greet you:

Your dog might be sniffing your face in the morning as a way to greet you. Dogs are friendly animals and they like to greet their owner in the morning by sniffing the face.

Out of excitement:

Your dog is excited to see you in the morning after you wake up for sleep. So it will start sniffing your face to showcase its excitement about seeing you.

To check up on you:

Dogs like smelling their owner in order to find if there is anything wrong with him/her in terms of health. Dogs are intuitive animals and they possess an incredibly strong sense of smell.

To catch your eye:

Another possible reason why your dog might be sniffing your face in the morning is that it wants your attention. Dogs like to start their day by getting the attention of their owner as it is a natural want of dogs.

Wanting breakfast:

Your dog might start sniffing your face in the morning to let you know that it is time for their breakfast. At that point of time, you will have to provide food to your dog to stop it from sniffing your face.

Wanting to go outside:

Your dog can start sniffing your face in the morning if it wants to go outside. Dogs love their playing time and they will sniff your face excessively to let you know that it is time to take them outside.

Do dogs like to smell their owner?

Dogs are known for being attracted towards the scent of their owner. So it is no surprise that they like to smell their owner by sniffing the face.

However, dogs can start sniffing the face of their owner for other reasons too. For example, dogs crave attention and they want to get that attention by sniffing the face of their owner.

Additionally, sniffing the face of the owner also enables the dogs to transfer their unique scent to their owner. Dogs try to develop sort of a mental connection by sniffing the face of their owner. It is a very natural thing for dogs to do so.

How far away can dogs smell their owners?

It is believed by experts that dogs have a strong sense of smell. This strong sense of smell enables the dogs to smell their owner from pretty far away.

Scientific studies have shown that dogs are able to smell their owner from twenty kilometers away at least. Additionally, they can recognize the smell of their owner from this far out.

So even if your dog gets lost in the public, it will be able to track back to you by following your smell. This just shows how powerful a dog’s smelling sense is.

How to stop dogs from sniffing my face?

Stopping dogs from sniffing your face might seem like a difficult task if you have no prior experience regarding the matter. However, there are some specific steps and methods you can follow to accomplish the task. Let’s discuss in detail about some of them.

Obedience training:

The first thing one needs to realize is that dogs are natural sniffers. But if they keep sniffing your face excessively, then you need to address the problem. The best approach in this case will be to apply the obedience training.

You can stop your dog from sniffing your face by communicating with it through various commands.

The commands will have to be taught to your dog on a regular basis until it gets the hang of it. Obedience training your dog will be a long term solution to the sniffing problem.

Ignore your dog:

One thing that dogs do not enjoy is ignorance. You can start ignoring your dog if it tries to sniff your face excessively.

This will make the dog understand that you are not liking it when it sniffs your face. Your dog will stop sniffing your face if you keep ignoring it for a while.

Provide a toy:

Another way of addressing the sniffing problem will be by providing a toy to your dog. The dog will remain busy playing with the toy and leave you alone for the moment.

Final Thoughts

It is natural for a dog to sniff the face of its owner. One should get worried if their dog stops sniffing their face. Because healthy dogs enjoy sniffing the face of their owner at any cost. The reasons of a dog sniffing the owner’s face are hunger, curiosity, excitement and wanting to go outside.