My friend has a golden retriever that will suddenly stop what he is doing a rubs his nose up and down the kitchen units or the floor. Not always making contact with anything. Quite often it is just the body movement.

There is no problem with his nose but he does makes it sore with the rubbing, he has been doing it for a couple of years.

Any ideas how to stop it or why is he doing it.

I have heard of grass seeds getting into dogs noses, there aren't ususally visible signs of irritatation, but excessive rubbing or sneezing is worth getting the dog checked out by a vet.

Liberty

Does he do it 'happily' or just after dinner?
Alot of dogs rub their muzzles on things -its a type of marking. It also helps to clean their faces after eating. Most choose something softer (like a couch) though. It sounds like misplaced instincts to me:) Unless the dog can't get to anything softer when he does this... My Giant will choose a couch, bed or even a wall and rub his entire body on it at a slant, begining with the muzzle. Gotta wash that beard often or he does leave a streak!

my dog does a similar thing on the sofa, she rubs her nose up and down until she almost does somersaults. I think it might just be fun. Have you asked a vet? Perhaps there is a medical reason.

No it isn't cleaning his face, it seems to be a habit. It seemed to come to the fore when he was frightened by fireworks a few years ago. No he just does it at any time, we have tried distraction, calling him and making lie down bu nothing seems to stop it some times it gets quite frantic.

My staffy has always done this. Especially when he his bone or even a ball - he will place it on the floor or sofa and then he will mark around it with his muzzle and nothing you do or say will stop him - its like he is possessed. It has always puzzled me!?