Kissing is a human trait. “We’re doing something that for a dog can be perceived as very confrontational,” Mullins adds. 25 dogs who clearly love hugs. In fact, I know not all dogs do. They might even seek out the hugs themselves if they like them. Parents should teach children about the proper ways to approach and pet a dog, especially one they've never met before, to avoid any accidental injury. To a dog, an arms-around-the-neck moment may feel more like a confrontation or rough play than affection. Stay alert for your dog’s subtle body language cues, outlined above. If your dog is displaying any of these signs, it’s best not to initiate a hug. Instead of hugging your dog, try these physical contact behaviors instead. A dog who had to tolerate excessive hugging while young and didn’t enjoy it is “probably going to get less tolerant of hugging or completely shut down” when it arises later in life, Mullins says. Founded in 1884, the AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for dogs. Koczerzuk says gentle massage is also “one of the greatest ways to introduce touch” with your pup. When you kiss your dog, you might try to hug them at the same time. And the worst thing you can do, Koczerzuk says, is bend over to hug your dog while you are standing—then it can really feel like an aggressive act. 6 Tips for Hugging Your Dog the Right Way 1. Putting a limb over another dog is a way of exerting dominance and can be confusing and intimidating. Last but not least, they keep coming back for more. After examining 250 online photos that popped up when he searched the words “hug dog,” Coren concluded that in roughly 82 percent of the photos, the dog being hugged displayed “at least one sign of discomfort, stress, or anxiety.”. The vast majority of dogs do not like to be hugged, so as a general rule of thumb, just don’t do it. Copious praise / play when they do well, of course. And the worst thing you can do, Koczerzuk says, is bend over to hug your dog while you are standing—then it can really feel like an aggressive act. Due to the recent 'study' which shows that dogs 'hate' hugs. It is true that some dogs (especially therapy dogs) will tolerate or even like being hugged, but many dogs do not enjoy the gesture; especially if … Dogs do not view hugs the same way that humans do, which can have potentially dangerous consequences. Both Koczerzuk and Mullins also recommend training with positive reinforcement as one of the most affectionate things you can do for your dog. “Dogs don’t usually show affection to each other through hugs. All Rights Reserved 2021. “Even if a dog has liked or not liked hugs before, their mood can affect how they’re feeling in a given moment,” Mullins says. Mood matters, too. While some dogs make it abundantly clear that hugs are … Dogs are beings of nonverbal communication. Hence, if a person hugs a dog, there is a slim chance that the pet will feel like it is being dominated by the human. They often have a much harder time reading animals’ body language and understanding limits. While usually, dogs will let their human friend finish the hug, patiently waiting for an end to this embrace. Get the dog used to being touched.. Touch a part of their body that’s not controversial, such as stroking along their... 2. If your pup comes over to you and leans in, you can try leaning back in to him. Dogs do not cuddle, they will usually interpret a hug as restraint or pressure. Sure, some dogs in the photos Dr. Stanley Coren observed might have had anxiety from the hug. Golden Retrievers: They rightly fit the category of super friendly dogs and capable of holding one … Image: Oliver rossi, getty images By Andrea Romano 2016-04-28 15:37:22 UTC. Many dogs do not like being kissed or hugged, but children— and many adults— are not usually able to interpret warning signs in time to avert disaster.. Mullins strongly advises leaving young children out of the equation. Growing up, I had a collie who loved hugs. Do Dogs Like Hugs? Koczerzuk notes that human-style hugs are “just not part of the canine language,” so by nature dogs are unsure or even afraid of them. Whatever the cause, they don't like to be hugged. Koczerzuk suggests that pet parents show their love through shoulder and chest touches rather than hugs or head pets—“another type of touch that dogs are not typically comfortable with,” she says. Some absolutely adore cuddles, but most dogs prefer a belly rub or a back scratch to a squeeze. I completely disagree with these bullshit studies that people are spreading that says the dogs hate hugs. “That is how we like to show affection,” she says. That way, you’ll know whether or not they’re enjoying a particular interaction. But if your dog seems content, you can try wrapping your arms very loosely around his body—loosely enough that he can get up and leave anytime he wants. “You build trust that way as well.”. Koczerzuk suggests that pet parents show their love through shoulder and chest touches rather than hugs or head pets—“another type of touch that dogs are not typically comfortable with,” she says. What’s more, the idea of pushing their bodies against other dogs actually triggers that same fight-or-flight reflex, as it tells them that danger is … Many people believe that dogs love hugs. Mullins’s next tip is to let your dog be the one to initiate things. Biologically they are vulnerable, mentally they are stressed out and anxious and they are often physically in pain, especially from the hugs of … A few years ago, psychologist Stanley Coren published his informal research data on dogs and hugs. Some dogs are trained well to tolerate hugs, such as therapy dogs. Dogs rely on body language as a method of communication with humans and each other. Mood matters, too. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. Some may dislike hugs more strongly than others, and some may actually adore them. They can tell that … No. He urged pet parents to “save your hugs for your two-footed family members and lovers”—and dog behavioral experts agree. If she pulls away, I let go. When a human hugs a dog it can cause great fear and anxiety in the dog. We like to be chest to chest (or, to use the more technical term, in “ventral-ventral contact”) with those we love. Because we love hugs, they too will take this positively and love hugs. Many dogs, when hugged, will show signs of distress such as turning their head away, showing whale eye, lowering their ears, and licking their lips. While giving and receiving hugs from your furry companion is nothing out of the ordinary, you have to keep one thing in mind, which is that many dogs prefer not to be squeezed, while others actively seek out hugs. Dogs aren’t crazy about that.” (And again, if you notice any of the distress signs outlined above, back off immediately. But I also don’t believe a whopping 81% of dogs hate hugs! Some folks interpret the “act” as the answer to their question of how dogs hug. The feeling of confinement normally sets off a ‘fight or flight’ stress response. Like Follow. That's not to say they don't love affection from their people. Dogs, really do not like hugs. Humans love physical contact; it’s in our DNA and it’s pretty hard not to hug someone you love. Researchers have yet to find a comparable behavior in dogs that reflects the same range of emotions as human kisses. Do Dogs Like Hugs? I save my hugs … “But it’s just not a natural way that dogs interact with each other.”. But I pay attention to her body language. Let our authors & experts know what you think. There are some dogs who make their discomfort known immediately. Maybe you’ve been giving your pup hugs for years--and maybe all this time they’ve just been tolerating it! Dog body language that could signal discomfort or anxiety include: If your dog is displaying any of these signs, it’s best not to initiate a hug. Her story on a New Jersey farm that raises water buffalo won a "Best Single Article" Eddie Award for excellence in magazine writing. , an arms-around-the-neck moment may feel more like a confrontation or rough play than affection. Sign up for our newsletter to stay in-the-know. Dogs have been domesticated for so long that they have learned to borrow some characteristics of human behavior as their own. Also, the act of hugging requires that the person puts their face next to a dog, which can be dangerous. “We’re coming all the way into their space, restraining them, and maybe looking at them eye-to-eye.”, Koczerzuk explains that pet parents are often surprised—and a little bit upset to hear this. https://www.akc.org/subscription/thank-you. She shares her home with her retired teaching beagle, Dasher, and a trouble-making orange cat named Julius. They do not rush up and hug one another, although if a dog grabs another dog it is done so as a sexual or aggressive advance. While individual dogs vary in temperament (and tolerance), in general, the answer is: no, dogs do not enjoy being hugged. Dogs aren’t crazy about that.”. “, You are communicating to them in a really positive way and they love it,”. “Most dogs love being touched,” says Sylvia Koczerzuk, a certified dog trainer and dog behavior consultant, “but as far as traditional hugs the way humans hug each other? Win a LIFETIME SUPPLY of Interceptor® Plus(milbemycin oxime/praziquantel) “You are communicating to them in a really positive way and they love it,” Koczerzuk adds. Although I get an image of Dr. McConnell wagging her finger at me when I do it, I still hug Honey with a big squeeze around the neck sometimes. But as hard as it might be to hear, that isn’t entirely true. Great Pet Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, A few years ago, psychologist Stanley Coren published his informal, . Turning their heads away or leaning their entire bodies away from us, Letting out a loud, exaggerated yawn that has nothing to do with sleepiness. How Do I Know If My Dog Likes Hugs or Not? However, the study wasn’t peer-reviewed, and experts question it. “That is how we like to show affection,” she says. While there are a small number of dogs who may seek out hugs from their owners, she says that even dogs who are tolerant when you approach them for a hug may not actually be enjoying the experience. It’s not that dogs don’t like being touched. In addition to feeling like a confrontation may be starting, a dog’s temperament and history may also dictate whether or not he likes to be hugged. Get acquainted—or reacquainted. Her professional interests include veterinary behavior, nutrition, and internal medicine. Now, gradually extend the areas you touch.. Slide your hand down a leg slightly, then … Molly is an award-winning independent journalist who often writes about animals and the humans who care for them. “That way you know they’re comfortable with the interaction.”. To avoid problems when small children want to pet the dogs, I show-and-tell how much the dogs like being petted gently on the shoulder. The short answer is not really. iy_2021; im_01; id_10; ih_16; imh_17; i_epoch:1610324235476, py_2020; pm_12; pd_13; ph_22; pmh_58; p_epoch:1607929087322, link-block-publisher; link-block-publisher_link-block-publisher; bodystr, pn_tstr:Sun Dec 13 22:58:07 PST 2020; pn_epoch:1607929087322. Dogs … Miss those cues, Mullins notes, and you risk your dog escalating things in an attempt to squash the situation. Her articles have told the story behind a complex dolphin surgery, taken readers inside a top center for training detection dogs, and explored the alpaca farm boom. When she's not in the clinic or creating content, Dr. Racine enjoys playing trampoline dodgeball (yes, really! If a dog keeps initiating contact or activities, … Essential info about dog health, training, sports and more. ), hiking, kayaking, and binge-watching Netflix. For the majority of dogs, the answer is no. And a hug isn’t necessarily the way to turn it around. © 2021 Great Pet Media. Often you'll notice a dog become stiff or still when being hugged, signs that he is not having a great time. But most of all, she says, it’s about a dog’s individual personality and preferences. Both Koczerzuk and Mullins also recommend training with positive reinforcement as one of the most affectionate things you can do for your dog. Experts in dog behavior believe that, in general, dogs do not like being embraced. Do Dogs Like Hugs? But the full answer is much more complex. Past abuse or neglect may also contribute to a dog’s distaste for hugs, and early socialization can play a role too, according to Mullins. Yes, Some Dogs Actually Do Love Hugs. Dogs interact with other dogs and humans through several means, from sniffing to circling one another. Certified dog behavior consultant Michelle Mullins says dogs’ general dislike of hugs transcends specific breeds or even individual temperament. It’s not that dogs don’t like being touched. Do Dogs Like Hugs From Humans? “Even if a dog has liked or not liked hugs before, their mood can affect how they’re feeling in a given moment,” Mullins says. Some dogs may interpreted hugging as restraint, and getting in a dog's face, such as kissing, might lead to biting, because dogs often bite one another on the snout. Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid. For some dogs, it provides a feeling of security, and strengthens the bond they have with you. All rights reserved. To make sure your embrace isn’t like the forced, awkward kind at the end of a bad Tinder date, read your dog… Most will tolerate a hug but if you observe their body language, they are not comfortable and relaxed. The closest thing our furry family members do to … I hug my dogs from time to time, mostly to gauge their response and to train them to tolerate the inexplicable things that humans like to do. In practice, however, dogs are much like humans – some love being hugged, some don’t. Humans are natural huggers. Do dogs like hugs? Our content and products are for informational purposes only. Confusing Body Language Dogs do exhibit a behavior that resembles the action of a hug, but the meaning behind it is very different. Step 3: Loosely Wrap Your Arms Around Your Dog, I always say, let the dog make the choice,” Mullins notes. Interceptor is a trademark of Elanco or its affiliates. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. Some may even come to associate kisses with attention, and quite a … When you come home to your pooch, it’s difficult to resist the urge to give them a huge cuddle. Especially not a big, tight bear hug. However, it’s not in their DNK to love hugs. Dogs don’t have the same physical anatomy as us, with arms with the same wide range of movement and so a hug in the human sense isn’t an action a dog can perform in the same way we can. Once you’ve got your dog’s body language down pat, and he seems relaxed, you can move on to the next step. Mullins says the first thing a pet parent should do is learn to read their dog’s body language. “But it’s just not a natural way that dogs interact with each other. Find out other ways you could be annoying your dog here. So, do dogs like it when you kiss them? Unlike humans, who thrive when they can press their bodies against another’s, dogs don’t have arms to hug anyone. With all of that being said, there are some dogs that actually don’t mind being hugged, says Mullins—as long as you go about it the right way. While individual dogs vary in temperament (and tolerance), in general, the answer is: no, dogs do not enjoy being hugged. It's more common then you might think, nearly all dogs have this kind of reaction to a hug and for a lot of different reasons. We think we are showing them love and affection by holding them tightly in our arms, but as good as our intentions are, dogs may not enjoy it quite as much as we think they do. Hugs make most dogs uncomfortable. It's SO into this hug. LOOK at this dog. AND a $500 SHOPPING SPREE at Muttropolis! However, every dog has a unique personality. Most dogs tolerate kisses on the head relatively well.. You’ve probably heard the hype about dogs not liking hugs, thanks to recent articles about research that claims that dogs hate being hugged by humans. Koczerzuk explains that pet parents are often surprised—and a little bit upset to hear this. After examining 250 online photos that popped up when he searched the words “hug dog,” Coren concluded that in roughly 82 percent of the photos, the dog being hugged displayed “at least one sign of discomfort, stress, or anxiety.”, says Sylvia Koczerzuk, a certified dog trainer and dog behavior consultant, “but as far as traditional hugs the way humans hug each other? Since we don’t speak dog, some of the things we take for granted can easily get lost in translation— especially signs of affection, like hugging and kissing. Irith Bloom, CPDT-KSA, CDBC, KPA CTP, VSPDT, CBATI, VSDTA faculty and Director of Training at The Sophisticated Dog in West Los Angeles, CA, helps explain why. Dogs don’t like to be hugged. Dogs do not like hugs. This e-book is a great resource for anyone who's considering dog ownership or already owns a dog. There is a difference between squeezing tightly and cuddling. Behavior of a dog depends on the person they are receiving the hug from, and their discoveries at its peak when a stranger tries to embrace. The most important thing is to make sure that you’re showing physical affection in a way that makes your individual dog feel happy and loved. To a dog. But hugging is neither an instinctive nor a taught behavior, making it unnatural and uncomfortable to them. Here’s why. While some dogs, especially those trained as therapy dogs, can tolerate it, in general, dogs do not enjoy this interaction. If your dog quickly leans back out, don’t proceed. How To Hug Your Dog. In fact many dog bites occur from when a child tries to hug a dog from behind. “That way you know they’re comfortable with the interaction.”. While some dogs, especially those trained as therapy dogs, can tolerate it, in general, dogs do not enjoy this interaction. Access our library of professional veterinarian resources. We really hate to be the ones to break this to curious dog lovers, but the simple answer to “Do dogs like hugs?” is no, according to those who know. Some will feel threatened while others will loathe the feeling. ), “I always say, let the dog make the choice,” Mullins notes. Don’t get me wrong, I am not claiming all dogs like hugs. © The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2020. Dr. Elizabeth Racine is a small animal veterinarian with a passion for writing. Her business, The Veterinary Writer, is devoted to providing pet owners with easy access to evidence-based information about pet health. “Most dogs love being touched,” says Sylvia Koczerzuk, a certified dog trainer and dog behavior consultant, “but as far as traditional hugs the way humans hug each other? Pet parents have long assumed that their dogs love getting hugs just as much as we humans love to give them hugs. Do dogs really like hugs? Dogs aren’t crazy about that.”, Koczerzuk notes that human-style hugs are “just not part of the canine language,” so by nature dogs are unsure or even afraid of them. Do Dogs Like Hugs? Download for tips on how to be the best dog owner you can be. While there is a very small percentage of dogs that enjoy hugs from their pet owners, the majority of dogs find hugging simply rude. But, a lot of dogs don’t like being hugged. That for a dog, try these physical contact behaviors instead as very confrontational, ” Koczerzuk.... For informational purposes only says the first thing a pet parent should do is learn read!, health, and internal medicine view hugs the same range of emotions as human kisses about dog health and. Let your dog escalating things in an attempt to squash the situation content and products are for informational only... Actively advocates for responsible dog ownership or already owns a dog can be dangerous cause, they do love! 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Am not claiming all dogs like hugs dogs who make their discomfort known immediately, these! You come home to your pooch, it provides a feeling of security, and question.

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