Jen
Dogs are members of our families: grateful companions whose presence we enjoy and whose love is unconditional.
Given below are some of the ways that most of us as pet parents try to care for our dogs which are natural to us as humans such as hugging the dog. Reading up you might think, Do dogs like hugs? But do you know what the answer is?
It is perfectly natural for humans to hug one another, however, this does not always feel the same for our pets.
Interpreting what your dog needs to tell you
In order to answer to question of whether dogs like hugs, one needs to know how dogs express themselves.
Different from humans, dogs hardly use words to communicate instead; they mostly use signs.
Dogs for instance use leaning, licking, or wagging of tails to show affection for something they like.
However, wrapping arms around another being—a simile of a human hug imparts to dogs no inherent meaning whatsoever.
In the animal kingdom, putting your arms around someone or around another being means dominance or restraint.
This can cause stress or discomfort in a dog though the hug being given might be friendly meant.
Dogs might not like hugs as these are like traps and so the dogs will be uncomfortable and their stress levels shall be raised.
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The characteristics of each dog are distinct; however, there are signals that one should not expect the companionship of a hug. When hugged, a dog may:
- Look the other way or do not make eye contact.
- Ideally, show a tense or stiff body posture.
- Try to retreat or try to run away.
- Yawn, lick lips or demonstrate any sign of stress or fatigue during the process.
- Growl, bark, or nip.
These behaviors do not signify that your dog does not love you or care for you—it is just a pre-wired posterior—or rather, in the dog’s mind, being hugged is frowned upon.
Do Some Dogs Like Hugs?
Although most dogs do not offer this behavior voluntarily or even if they accept hugs they may not like it, in some dogs it is contained as a breed standard that would have been bred for social acceptance of hugs.
Some dogs might want to kiss or lick the owner’s face while some might just want to lean into a hug.
These dogs have probably gained the understanding that when their humans embrace them it’s a sign of affection and not restraint.
Giving Your Pet Dog a Safe Hug
Instead of rushing in to embrace your pet, you should remember some signals that will help you to understand, whether your dog likes hugs or not.
If your dog shows signs of discomfort when hugged, there are plenty of other ways to express your love that align better with their instincts:
PETTING: Dogs also like to be touched and most often on the chest, back or behind the ears. Take particular notice of where your beloved dog seems to blossom towards your touch.
PLAYTIME: Dogs do like to play, and they can do so in one way or another like going after a ball, ripping apart a toy, or even running and playing with their companion. Play helps with training, furthers your connection and is fun for your pup.
SNUGGLING: If they are okay with touching follow the same procedure as if you want to hug your friend embrace your dog gently with your arms draped around them. Hugging them and laying your head down on them does not have to be the only option; merely sitting next to them and having them rest their head on you can work well.
VERBAL AFFECTION: Dogs are sensitive to tone. It is important to use comforting tone of voice when talking to them so that they understand you do care.
TREATS AND TRAINING: There is nothing as noble as giving your dog a treat, speaking positively to them, and engaging them in high standard training sessions.
FRIENDLY BEHAVIORS OF DOGS: How to Understand Whether Your Dog Likes Hugs
When you remain confused about whether your dog loves being hugged or not, there is a primary focus on the body language of your dog.
You should also try hugging your dog and observe their body language when you do so. Well, if they nudge you, wag their tail, or if they seem comfortable in some way, then chances are you are one of the rare breeds that like to hug.
However, if they start to pull away or show any signs of stress , it’s important not to push the issue further.
Conclusion
So, do dogs like hugs? In general, dogs do not grasp or appreciate embraces in the same sense as people do and probably never would.
As much as some of the dogs will grow to accept you or even develop a love for you, it is important not to overstep your bounds and give your dog love signals that he or she is uncomfortable with.
Thus, knowing the signs of your dog is crucial not only for enhancing the communication between you two, and making your dog feel as warm and wanted as your dog makes you every morning.
