Can anyone tell me why a male dog turns his back on to a female dog and looks like he is pushing his bum in to her face? We have a four year old female and a newly aquired resue male and he keeps doing this to her. We are getting him castrated in a week or two, once he has had time to settle in, do you think this will make a difference also do you think this will stop him from trying to spray in the house? He is six!
Clearwater2860@hotmail.com

It is not possible to say it may or it may not, sorry not any help but castration may not help.

Hi

My youngest and latest rehomed dog (male) does this to my older dog (also male).  He backs up, presents bum in face then runs off expecting the older dog to follow and chase.  If older dog doesn't, young one goes back with a toy in his mouth and repeats the bum in face routine.  We've always read it as an invitation to play (chase) used in addition to the usual playbow pose.

Both dogs are castrated but the playful poses continue!

It sounds like play to me, not dominance. The bum backing up is different than the pushing over, over, over with the whole side of the body. This is what two of my dogs do when they want to play tag. LOL.

Carrie

Your new male sounds like he is marking the house, possibly in response to other doggy smells which he's trying to cover with his own.  If he's doing it on carpets, it is possible that he can smell old 'accidents' from your female and is marking these.  If that is the case, having your carpets cleaned may be a good idea - dogs have far better noses that us and can smell things which we think we have cleaned and deordourised!  Every rescue/foster I've had has immediately come into my house and wee'd in one place - regardless of how much I clean it!

If he's very new, then it is just as likely to be his settling in period and he will stop doing it.  Neutering older dogs does not always stop them marking - my 7 year old was neutered over a year ago and he still wants to make his mark - although only outside.

The bum in the face thing is playing - and could also be a sign that he recognises that she is top dog.

Hope you have many happy years with your rescue and good on you for choosing an older dog!