The Concerned Nudge
That gentle nose poke when you’re quiet isn’t just for attention. Behavioural Processes research identifies nudging as a check-in behavior when dogs sense emotional shifts. Your dog uses this physical prompt when you’re withdrawn or sad. This small gesture serves as their way to assess your mood and encourage interaction during difficult times. Studies found dogs nudge more frequently during owner depression, showing they can detect subtle changes in your emotional baseline over extended periods.