Why Does My Dog Hide Its Face?

Does your dog moves its paws around its face while hiding?

Is there anything that might scare or cause anxiety in your dog?

Is the face hiding usually followed by rolling over and exposing the belly?

Was your dog scolded or praised before hiding its face?

What looks like hiding at first glance might simply be your dog rubbing or scratching an itch. Dogs not only use their front paws to relieve an itchy face or eyes but they also sometimes use them to wipe away eye gunk or substances that get stuck in their fur and cause them discomfort. If you notice them doing this a lot, check their face and eyes for redness, discharge, or other signs of infection or irritation.

Feeling stressed or scared can result in a dog hiding its face. Try to remove the source of their fear and reassure them that they're safe. If your dog often displays this behavior, it could be a sign that your dog is suffering from an anxiety disorder and that you should consult your vet.

Dogs sometimes cover their faces or noses to show deference to their pack leader. Hiding their face could be a sign that your dog trusts you and wants you to know they're not a threat. If this is the reason for covering their face, they may also follow the behavior by rolling over to expose their belly.

If a dog is scolded, it may hide its eyes out of embarrassment. If a dog receives affection or praise while covering its face, it may repeat the action in hopes of additional positive attention.

While dogs don't have a concept of cuteness as you understand it, they're highly perceptive and can tell when their behavior pleases you. Since dogs are often eager to please, they're likely to repeat something that they know amuses you.