Petting Your Dog- Love or Hate Being Petted?
by Neeraj
Are you petting your dog with love, cuddles and hugs?
Petting your dog is a straightforward way to share affection, but there is a right way to do it without annoying your dog or making it uncomfortable. Petting too aggressively and in the wrong spot can make your dog nervous, defensive and even aggressive. It is important to understand a dog’s body language and to read how and where to pet your dog likes how you pet and where.
Every dog lover has a fond memory of the day they greeted and met their puppy for the first time. To cherish that moment throughout the dog’s life, it is important to make affection enjoyable for the dog. It should not be something it has to put up with from you.
Now let’s see how to pet your dog:
- The right way: Your dog should be greeted properly. Give them the time and space to decide to choose you or not and don’t impose yourself on them forcefully. Let them initiate their step towards you. If they want your attention, they will approach you.
- Gentle patting: Pat your dog gently and slowly in the direction of their fur growth. Don’t have a heavy hand! Try to play with them gently.
- Make them stress-free: If it is not normal for your dog to not allow petting, look for signs of stress.
- Best spots to pet: It is common for dogs to enjoy being pet on the shoulders, base of the neck and chest. Being touched on top of the head, paws, tails, ears, and legs is not what most dogs like. I suggest you place your hand where the dog enjoys being massaged and slowly move your fingers in the direction of the fur. Slow petting can calm a dog down.
Reasons dogs dislike being petted
- Sores, hot spots, flea, mite or parasite infestation
- Stress, separation anxiety
- Fear issues
Remember dogs are individuals like people are. Not every dog reacts the same way. Do not force your affection on your dog. You would not like someone pulling on your ears or sticking their hand in your face. Your dog is no different! When you make petting your dog enjoyable for the pup, the bond between you grows closer.
