QuestionI have been reading a lot of your Q&A information. Many of your answers bring up new questions about my dog.
Another question I have to ask is about sneezing.
Regarding a lethargic dog, you said to reward him with treats when he sneezes. I was wondering if sneezing is a form of communication or playfulness for them?
I would assume a dog so interested in barking would bark a lot. We've always trained our dogs to bark when they wanted to go out, however, my sheltie has been the hardest to comprehend it. He barks at everything else, but unless coaxed to bark, when he wants to go out he sneezes several times.
He also sneezes right before encouraging me to play with him. I can generally tell the difference because following the sneeze he'll bow playfully or pace depending on what he wants.
Can you think of any reason for this?
Is it normal activity?
Lastly, does sneezing mean anything, or is it just a sign of excitement-maybe?
AnswerSneezing has been shown to be the expression of dog-jocularity like laughing. If he sneezes at you, he thinks it's funny. Not "smarty pants" funny but "fun" funny.
Bowing is actually called "play bow" dogs do it when they are wanting to play.
So, he's happy (sneezes) because he thinks you are going to play with him (play bow)!
That's great! Hope that answers that question!
'sneezes
Dave
