Is this dominance? Head on foot

This is just a way to push for your attention.  Just like the paw. 

Willow is right, it is a desire for attention. Labs are fond of laying their head in your lap or at your feet. Dominance is when a dog places its head over that of another dog. Or, if the dog tries to mount another dog, it is often for dominance, rather than mating. Mic, one of the members here, has plenty of experience with hard dogs. I know he would have some ideas of how to train your dog.
 

I have read about puting the paw on you,  not letting them come in or go out in front of you and things like that.  But never heard of the laying on your feet thing.  My Jake (an 18-month-old yellow lab) is always at my feet.  Usually laying on them. I just thought he liked to be near me[]  Also thought it was a great way to keep my feet warm when they are cold []  I geuss I still have alot to learn about my dog. Would any dog take advantage of you allowing these things?  I know Jake knows who is Alpha in this house but will he decide to challenge that if he is allowed to do these things?

I don't like generalizations about "dominant" behavior, because they're not always accurate, and when they're not you wind up with unhealthy misconceptions. Some dogs are touchy-feely and like physical contact. My dog is naturally submissive to humans but he often lays with his head on my ankle or his back touching my body. You should only prohibitthese kinds of contacts if you have other valid, concrete concerns about your dog's behavior or "pack position." I have trouble seeing the head on foot position as a challenge to leadership... unless perhaps, as may be happening with the OP, a very bossy dog has had all his other physical displays of superiority taken away and might be sneaking this one in. Otherwise, it's more likely a simple gesture of intimacy.

Might I suggest the booklet How to be the Leader of the Pack and Have Your Dog Love you For it by Patricia McConnell?

gee, I've always thought the putting head on foot was a submissive gesture of affection.

So gosh, sounds like I TAUGHT Rusty (cocker and my heart dog) to be dominant by teaching him to "keep moms feet warm".......sigh.....and here I thought they were being NICE to me when they laid their head on my feet or ankles.....

So all those quiet moments of Xerxes lying his head on me were moments of quiet dominance?  No wonder his recall is so poor.  [sm=wink.gif]

Gee, Gracie is submissive and always lies at my feet with her head on my toes.  When I'm on the floor folding clothes, she lays her head on my ankles.  I really love that she needs to touch me.

The responses are in regard to the OP's dog who is already somewhat aggressive, a level 2 out of 5 at age ONE!   I wasn't generalizing at all, and frankly feel as though none of you read the OP.   

I would just think of it as a sign of affection and a need to be close and connect with you... although with that type of dog it may be different.
 
Then again, even if your dealing with SO many things for fear of aggression I would think it unhelthy to rule out everything that may be affection just to be sure, that would be sad. 
 
Good luck.

In quite a few books I've read they stated that if the dog leans on you or places a paw on your foot it is a dominance gesture. So, for the first month and some I wouldn't let Gracie do this even though she tried to all the time. I noticed she was getting depressed I believe from the lack of utter closeness the leaning would give her. So, I tried letting her lean on me. I would wrap her up in a big hug or just rest my hands on her when she leaned on me and now she is MUCH happier. Surprise, surprise it did make a huge difference in the way she listened to me, and in my status. She listens to me MORE now. Focuses her attention on me more now when I request something of her. Gracie is very much motivated by love.

I'm beginning to think the whole strict dominance thing isn't for every dog, nor is it necessary for every dog. I do firmly believe in the NILF philosophy but I don't think dominance is found under every lampshade.

I don't know how this would apply to your dog, since you are trying to work through issues with him. I would think the whole head laying on your foot is just a need for closeness. I would strongly recommend NILF (Nothing In Life is Free), if you aren't already doing it and allowing him to cuddle up after he has 'earned' it by completing some command.

You know your great dane loves you when he leans into you with his full weight so you almost fall down; when he sits down in your lap and you can't get up; when he lies down next to you and gradually creeps over without apparently moving a muscle (HOW do they do this?) so he can press his head against you, or better yet, slither silently into your lap, see comment above about not being able to get up. And when your dog puts his head on your feet to sleep that is a great compliment from your dog to you. However, if your dog paws at you in a demand for attention, best to ignore him until he stops.
Going around worrying about whether your dog is being dominant or not is just so pointless. Do people seriously believe that if they aren't careful the dog will somehow seize control of the household?  Deal with each specific behavior instead. You don't want your dog knocking you down as he pushes past you out the door. Good idea. Teach him to sit until invited through instead of worrying about how dominant he's getting. You don't want your dog snapping at you when you walk by his food bowl. Good idea. Go through a specific anti-resource-guarding training program instead of worrying about how dominant he's getting. Growls at you when he's on the bed and you try to get him off? teach him to jump off on command for a reward.

My dogs are allways curling up at my feet.My Dane sticks her head under my arm to ask for a "hug" This is the first i have heard about it being a dominance thing.They arent dominant in any other ways so i am not concerned.I just take it as affection.