[gsdlaila]

My 11 mo old german shepherd Laila has always greeted family members and visitors by circling around their legs a few times with a toy in her mouth, and a wagging tail. I was trying to figure out why she circles with a toy. Has anyone experienced this with their dogs?

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by gsdlaila

My 11 mo old german shepherd Laila has always greeted family members and visitors by circling around their legs a few times with a toy in her mouth, and a wagging tail. I was trying to figure out why she circles with a toy. Has anyone experienced this with their dogs?

My Max (Paxer)--a cocker spaniel and is now 10 yrs old grabs a soft toy to carry in his mouth when he gets excited--esp. when I come home from being gone for a while. He doesn't circle but prob. because I have another dog that is in his way --who also has to greet me but he doesn't have anything in his mouth--just the cocker. It may be a 'present' as a greeting but ?? As far as circling--Maybe trying to keep you in that spot so you 'don't go away'---He wants you there-home! Or maybe just making sure he gets your undivided attention! Or just so happy to see you that he can't hold still.

[german sheep]

She shows the visitors and also the family members what she has got and that this is her resource: it was mine before you came and it is still mine!
When you try to take it away from her she will turn her head not willing to give it to you.
Wagging her tail only shows that she need some information and has a big expectation what will happen in the next moment

LG
gs

[odinrocks4]

Originally Posted by gsdlaila

My 11 mo old german shepherd Laila has always greeted family members and visitors by circling around their legs a few times with a toy in her mouth, and a wagging tail. I was trying to figure out why she circles with a toy. Has anyone experienced this with their dogs?

My shepherd is the only one of our three dogs who does this. No licks or jumps - just a cool strut around the room with a "prize" in his mouth. There is no doubt that he is happy to see us but I think he is letting us know we are entering his territory and he is in control.

[gracieownsme]

Gracie, my cockapoo does the thing with the toy... but she doesn't usually circle. I think it's because I immediately kneel down and start making over her. But she pretty much always grabs something ... a toy, a chew bone etc. Oh... and when my husband and I become chummy and are hugging or even sitting beside one another on the sofa, she always runs and grabs a toy or chew bone too. Often she'll grab the one that Gary likes the most (the squeaky Chicky Bird) I guess she's trying to win him over and away from me... LOL Ahhhh or she's saying 'well i have a friend too!'