Cuddling with your dog can lower stress, strengthen your bond, and brighten your day. But hugging — especially the lift-your-dog-into-the-air kind — may not be as enjoyable for your dog as it is for you. Here is why most dogs dislike being hugged, the stress signals to watch for, and better ways to show your dog affection.
Why Hugging Stresses Dogs Out
Dogs generally enjoy physical contact with their owners, but they dislike the feeling of being trapped and unable to move. Many people pick up their dogs to give them a hug, especially with smaller breeds. Having their paws off the ground creates a sense of vulnerability, and squeezing too tightly adds to the discomfort.
If you watch closely — even in photos of people holding their dogs on social media — you may notice signs that the dog is not at ease. Common stress signals include licking their lips, yawning, flattening their ears back, showing the whites of their eyes, and turning their head away to avoid eye contact. After being set down, a stressed dog may also shake themselves off as if they have just been bathed, which is another clear sign the experience was uncomfortable.
A Hug Can Make Your Dog Feel Cornered
When dogs feel stressed or frightened, their instinct is to move away from the perceived threat. If you are holding your dog tightly, they cannot escape. This is likely to increase their stress, and in some cases, a cornered dog may bite in an attempt to get away.
This is an important reason why children should not be allowed to hug dogs. Children are more likely to misread a dog's body language, squeeze too tightly, or put their face close to the dog's mouth — all of which increase the risk of a bite from a dog that feels trapped.
Better Ways to Show Your Dog Affection
Dogs love receiving affection — it just works better when it is shown in ways that respect their need for autonomy and freedom of movement. Many dogs are perfectly content to lie at your feet on a soft bed or pillow, relaxing nearby while keeping an eye on you. Offering your dog their favorite toy, taking them for a walk, or playing a game of fetch or tug of war are all simple ways to strengthen your bond without creating stress.
How to Pet Your Dog the Right Way
Petting and stroking are effective forms of physical contact that still allow your dog to feel in control. Most dogs enjoy being scratched under the chin, having their chest rubbed, or being stroked along the lower back. Many dogs, however, dislike being petted on the head or muzzle, and some become defensive about their bellies. If you are unsure, start with the chin or chest and observe how your dog responds. Avoid any areas that may be painful, such as healing surgical sites, injuries, or stiff joints in senior dogs.
The Science Behind Petting Your Dog
The benefits of petting go both ways. Research published in Animals (2020) found that just five minutes of human interaction raised oxytocin levels — the hormone associated with warmth and bonding — in Guide Dogs. A similar response is believed to occur in humans during the same interaction.
Separate research published in AERA Open (2019) found evidence that petting dogs helps lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in humans. Showing your dog affection through gentle physical contact is good for their well-being and good for yours.
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