Teach your dog to be petted on cue
You can call your dog next to you and use the command/cue “petted” as you pet him. Give him a small, pea-sized treat at the same time.
Remove your hand when he’s done the treat. Repeat this training exercise three times per session, two or three times a day.
If you’re consistent, most dogs will understand that they get petted on your “petted” cue only.
It may take days or weeks, depending on the dog.
Petting may lead to subsequent rewards
Sometimes we pet our dogs and give them other rewards after we stop.
A reward may be a treat, a toy, a game, or even praise.
So, according to our dog, it’s a two-fer: getting petted and another reward. It gives even more motivation to be petted.
How Can I Tell if My Dog Doesn’t Like Petting?
Some dogs don’t love–or even like–being petted. Or they may not like being petted on certain areas, like the top of their head.
Or they may not like the way the petting is being done.
When your dog doesn’t enjoy petting, he’ll probably show you. He may:
If your dog demonstrates that he doesn’t like to be petted, I wouldn’t insist on it.
Of course, dogs should accept basic handling, because we have to touch them in various ways.
You might have to put on or take off his leash or collar, groom him, or otherwise handle him.
And I’ve found in training many dogs over the years that the majority–especially goldens–enjoy being petted.
Of course, there may be an exception when a dog hasn’t been handled from puppyhood. And some dogs who’ve been abused won’t enjoy being petted.
Also, the handling and petting must not be too rough or a dog probably won’t enjoy it.
Of course, if your dog demonstrates any aggressive behavior, it’s advisable to get the professional help of a behaviorist or a positive reinforcement dog trainer with experience and success with such behavior issues.
It’s also important to obtain such professional help if your dog truly doesn’t like any petting or handling. Most dogs can be trained to accept–and even enjoy–such interaction.