nosing

Question
We rescued a black lab/whippet (best guess by vet & rescue) 7 months ago. She was taken from her home due to abuse.  She an awesome dog, great with our older dog and our small children.  She has an odd behavior, she does what we have come to refer to as "dolphining".  When she wants your attention or when she's excited, she will nudge or run into you with her nose. She comes right into you like you see videos of dolphins using their snouts in the wild when fighting or defending.  She doesn't do it mean, it's almost like when a dog nudges your hand with their nose and wants to be pet, but instead of upward motion on a hand it's directly into your leg, knee or arm.  What could it mean?  Is it a sign of dominance that we should put an end to?

Thank you~
Laura

Answer
Dominance is a subtle thing.  Many dogs use that as a demand for attention. I would refuse to give her attention when she does it.  Attention should come when you choose to give it.  

The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Remember, a top dog should be like an old fashioned strict, butloving parent, not a drill sergeant.