what does it mean when dogs put their heads on each other's neck

[Mary Beahm]

I have never seen this before.  This morning, when I was walking Trudie we met a male retriever (first time) and they wagged tails and looked ok.  Then they put their heads on each other's necks and got very quiet and still.  Suddenly, the retriever began to growl and get excited (so then, of course, Trudie had to do the same).  What is that all about????

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It's an instinctive behavior that goes back to their time with their mothers and litters. Puppies will put their heads over a littermate's shoulder or nip each other on the neck during play, mothers will grab the scruff of the neck to correct a puppy. It's also part of the way they learn bite inhibition from their mothers and littermates. But resting the chin or mouth on the back of another dog's neck can also be a dominance behavior, especially if the other dog is a stranger. It's an attempt to get above the other dog and put him in a vulnerable position. The neck is a very vulnerable area. Fighting dogs go for each other's necks. Dogs lie on their backs and expose their necks as a sign of submission.

 In general, it's not a great idea to let your dog meet a strange dog while on leash. It can trigger a fight or flight response. Many dogs are extremely reactive to other dogs while on leash, even if they get along fine with dogs they know, or at daycare, etc. 

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Frankie is 8 1/2 months old and Quincy is 3 1/2.  Frankie was re-homed to us 3 weeks ago.  They are getting along pretty well, but I was surprised when Quincy let him do this.  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

That's adorable. I think Quincy knows Frankie is a puppy and this is an example of an adult dog giving the newcomer a "puppy license". Eventually, when the pup gets big/old enough, that license gets revoked, lol. 

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Quincy has been very, very patient with Frankie.  There are times when he gives him the "what for" but Frankie sticks to him like glue.  The meals have sorted out fine, too.  Quincy will take toys from Frankie, but he holds his own and waits to steal them back.  Funny boys.  They chase each other around the hill at breakneck speed and then Quincy collapses until Frankie drives him crazy nudging him to start over.  And it's only 3 weeks.  

Very happy he found us, and I think Quincy agrees.   

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I'm not totally sure, but I think you really need to look at the total body language of the two dogs.  As Karen pointed out for some dogs it is a sign of dominance, and the body will usually be fairly stiff and the dog will not be relaxed.  In other cases it can actually be a sign of affection and wanting to know and play with the other dog.  I have seen this on the Daycare videos from the Daycare where I send my Doodles.  When it's friendly the dogs will look relaxed and even playful.  I think it's fine in that setting because these dogs know each other and are used to being together....and they are very adept at reading each others' signals.  I would not be comfortable with this if my dog was meeting another for the first time.   The fact that they were quiet and still and there was a growl would be enough to signal me not to allow the behavior.  There are certainly play growls, but that would usually be in the midst of a play situation....not when they are still and quiet.