Key Takeaways
- Many people try to indicate affection to their dogs by hugging them, but just about all dogs dislike being held.
- It’s essential to have the option to read your dog’s body language and stop embracing them in the event that they show signs of hysteria.
- You may have the option to assist a dog change into more tolerant of hugs as a preventive measure in case a stranger tries to hug them.
As humans, it’s natural to wish to shower love and affection on the dogs we share our lives with, and the media often portrays idealized versions of this human-animal bond with pet parents bear-hugging their furry friends.
While some dogs indeed enjoy physical affection, dogs differ widely in how much they’re willing to tolerate, and a few might find being confined, cuddled, or hugged to be more uncomfortable than welcomed. Even dogs who enjoy being petted or having their bellies rubbed may find the tight embrace of a hug a bridge too far or at best, don’t at all times want physical touch. Some may even find it threatening and will bite in response. Just because a dog chooses to be near you (even in your lap) that doesn’t necessarily mean he desires to be touched, let alone hugged. Dog often enjoy proximity to us but are usually not on the lookout for physical contact.
One dog expert estimates that just about all dogs (82 percent) dislike hugs, and immobilizing them causes stress or discomfort. Dr. Stanley Coren checked out 250 photos of dogs being hugged and concluded that 204 of the dogs within the photos showed signs of being uncomfortable, similar to looking away or ears turned down.
It’s essential to know your dog or have the option to read signals that a dog could also be giving off that indicate whether or not they are comfortable with being touched and the way much. You can then advocate on your dog when strangers approach. Especially in relation to children, forcing affection on a dog who doesn’t take care of it may be unsafe.
Dogs are usually not people
Many people assume that dogs like affection the identical way people do. But for those who watch dogs interact, you’ll notice they don’t embrace one another. They might wrestle and pin one another down, but that is within the context of play fighting or real fighting, the American Kennel Club says.
Dogs are social animals who depend on their pack for safety and survival. As such, they use a posh body language and communication system to signal their intentions, emotions, and limits to other dogs.
Humans are usually not at all times expert at reading these signals, resulting in misunderstandings and conflict. When someone hugs a dog, it may feel trapped and vulnerable. In the wild, dogs needed to have the option to maneuver and escape in the event that they felt threatened or uncomfortable. When a hug takes away that ability, it may trigger feelings of hysteria.
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Factors that influence your dog’s comfort level with affection
Dogs are individuals, and aspects similar to breed, history, and temperament will determine how much physical affection they like. Dogs who’re socialized after they are young and treated well by humans throughout their lives will likely be more welcoming of physical touch.
Some breeds are known to be extra cuddly – Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, cocker spaniels, American Staffordshire bull terriers (pit bulls), and Australian Shepherds are known for his or her gregarious nature. Other breeds are known to be more reserved, similar to cane corso, Cairn terrier, Shiba Inu, and mastiffs. Of course, these are generalizations and will not apply to individual dogs.
A dog with a traumatic past, especially in the event that they have been abused, homeless, or spent lots of time in various homes or shelters, is of course going to be more cautious around people, a minimum of at first. Some may learn to warm as much as relations and strangers, while others may remain reserved throughout their lives. Pet parents need to acknowledge their dog’s needs and limitations and adjust their behavior accordingly.
Signs your dog likes hugs
A dog who’s having fun with a hug will probably be relaxed and comfy. They is not going to be showing any of the stress signals listed below.
The Pat-Pet-Pause method of determining consent
- PAT your legs to see if the dog involves you. If they don’t, don’t approach! We are allowing the dog to initiate the interaction. If the dog involves you, proceed to…
- PET the dog’s back, side, chest (not going excessive of her head) for 2-4 seconds with one hand (not each) then…
- PAUSE (hands off!)See what the dog does next. Do they are available for more or shake off and walk away?
- If they stick with you (assuming she could move away) proceed to pet for a couple of seconds after which STOP petting to permit the dog the power to opt out of the interaction.
Other consent resources from Danette Johnston
Signs your dog is uncomfortable with hugs
Some dogs will make it clear that they’re unhappy with hugs by growling, snarling, and even biting. However, not all dogs are so obvious. Here are some more subtle signs to search for:
- Turning their head away
- Licking their lips or nose
- Yawning
- Stiffening their body
- Trying to maneuver away
- Whining or whimpering
- Ears going backward
- Mouth going from open and relaxed to closed.
If you see any of those signs, respect your dog’s boundaries and stop touching them.
Teach your dog to tolerate hugs
While most dogs don’t enjoy hugs, many can learn to tolerate them. For safety and to assist prepare your dog for unexpected hugs from well-meaning strangers or children, teach them to place up with being hugged, even in the event that they don’t prefer it. If a stranger approaches your dog and tries to embrace them, gently discourage it and suggest a scratch on the neck, under the ears or in your dog’s rump as a substitute (in case your dog is OK with this).
You can change your dog’s negative association with hugs using desensitization and counter-conditioning training techniques. Here are a couple of suggestions from the AKC:
- Start by pairing gentle petting with treats or one other reward, then slowly increase the invasiveness until you might be gently restraining your dog.
- Increase the firmness of your embrace, all while continuing to reward your dog after each hug.
- Pay attention to your dog’s body language. If they show any signs of discomfort or anxiety, stop the hug and return to petting.
- Repeat this recurrently, and in time, your dog will put up with a clumsy embrace for the possibility to earn a reward.
Ways to indicate your dog affection besides hugs
While hugs might not be one of the best solution to show your dog affection, there are many other ways to bond together with your furry friend. Even in the event that they don’t like being confined in an embrace, most dogs enjoy other varieties of touching.
- Pet them or give belly rubs: Touch your dog in a way that’s comfortable and enjoyable for them.
- Play games: Dogs like to play, so spend a while every day playing fetch, tug-of-war, or hide-and-seek.
- Go for walks: Walking your dog is important physical and mental exercise and an ideal solution to bond and explore the world together.
- Give them a massage: Just like humans, dogs can profit from a delicate massage to assist them calm down and feel good.
- Talk to them: Dogs love the sound of their owner’s voice, so spend a while every day talking to your dog and telling them how much you like them.
- Give treats: Almost all dogs love treats. To avoid overfeeding your dog, keep track of the caloric amount of the treats and adjust meal sizes. Dispense treats primarily as a reward for good behavior or teaching recent skills.
In conclusion, while a couple of dogs may enjoy hugs, most don’t. You can construct a powerful and healthy bond together with your four-legged friend by listening to your dog’s body language and respecting their boundaries. And in case your dog doesn’t like hugs, don’t worry – there are many other ways to indicate them affection and make them feel loved.