Does the dog like kisses and constant petting?

People get dogs, including because they like tactile contact with the pet. Many owners love petting, scratching, hugging and kissing animals. So much so that they are ready to do it endlessly. But do dogs like kisses and constant petting?

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Do dogs like it when people pet and kiss them?

The answer to this question depends on the dog. Unfortunately for many owners, dogs often don’t enjoy what people like. There are a huge number of photos on the Internet of people hugging and kissing dogs. And if you pay attention to the body language of animals, you will see that most of them simply endure such treatment with themselves, dreaming that the torture of human caress would end as soon as possible.

I have had many dogs, and the current two are the most affectionate of all. The mongrel Tori jumps on her hands herself and is simply thrilled by strokes, “squeezing” and kisses, and the Airedale Terrier Ajax loves when his sides and chest are scratched (so he constantly rolls over on his back to make it easier for people to express their love) and rejoices when he eats the opportunity to lie down, just cuddling up to me. But, although it seems that they would be ready to communicate 24 hours a day, I understand that they also need time to take a break from me.

Most dogs don’t like it at all.when people pat them on the head, lean over them, hug them, or move their face up to their nose to kiss them. The fact is that body language is different between us and dogs. For example, for us, as primates, hugs are a sign of special treatment, while for dogs, they are an expression of threat. Of course, sometimes dogs learn to tolerate our displays of love, but often this is an additional source of stress for them. 

Like every person Every dog ​​is a person with their own preferences and boundaries.. Some dogs are more sensitive to touch and others are less sensitive. There are dogs that are afraid of any human touch that seems strange and unnatural to them, and there are dogs that adore almost any form of contact. But if a person insists on tactile contact, which is unpleasant for a dog, he may use his teeth.

I have met owners who say: “We got a dog, including in order to stroke it, hug it and carry it in our arms, we feed it and give it the opportunity to live in comfort – let it endure”. Is it fair? Not!

The dog didn’t ask to be wound up. It was the sole decision of a person to take this dog. And from the moment this decision was made, it was the person is responsible for the welfare of the dog. So, for ensuring her five freedoms. Including freedom from discomfort and freedom from grief and suffering. And that means not forcing the dog to endure those touches that she does not like, solely for the pleasure of the owner. This is the question where the dog should have the right to choose.

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How to understand what the dog likes, and what to do if he does not like our touch?

Understanding which of our actions the dog likes or dislikes is quite simple.

1. Watch the dogwhen you interact with it. Dogs can communicate with us, including through body language. If you see signals of discomfort, then your actions are unpleasant for the dog. And to deliver unpleasant experiences to another being is akin to violence. Respect your pet – only in this case you can count on reciprocal respect.
2. Help will come 5 second rule. Interact with the dog for five seconds, then step back and watch his reaction. If she reaches out to you, puts her muzzle under your arm, touches her paw, then she wants more touches, and if you also want to communicate with the dog, you can please her – for the next 5 seconds, and so on. You can experiment with different touches to see how your dog reacts. This will help you understand what your pet likes and doesn’t like.
3. If the dog wants to leave give her a chance. This does not mean that she does not love you, it only means that she wants to relax. If the dog wants contact with you, she will offer it herself.
4. Protect your dog. If she doesn’t like being touched by strangers, don’t make her put up with it. It is perfectly normal to be your dog’s “lawyer”. After all, it’s a guarantee of safety.

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What to do if you find out: what gives you pleasure, the dog does not like? Do not despair! Surely you, with a little experimentation, will find the type of touch that is pleasant for both you and your pet. And then you will enjoy together.