How you pet your dog matters, too
Individual preferences are just as important for dogs as they are in people. In general, most of us enjoy gentle but firm strokes and rubs. But patting, especially rapidly and repeatedly on top of a dogâs head, tends to put them off. This should not come as a big shock to humans â how much would you like it if a stranger walked up and patted you on the top of your head? In spite of that, people do it to dogs all the time.Related article
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How should you approach a dog?
According to Sarah, you should:
1. Approach the dog from the side and lower yourself to their level.
2. Give them space and let the dog choose whether to come to you.
3. Offer your hand to the dog. If the dog sniffs your hand, then they are safe to pet. Find out the best places to pat a dog below.
When Your Dog Doesnât Want To Be Touched
Dogs are just like us: Their enjoyment of touch depends on when itâs offered, how itâs done, and where on the body itâs directed.
Context is the variable that guardians most often ignore. Do you want a massage right now? Probably not, if youâre doing anything that requires concentration or engagement.
Dogs are no different: They most enjoy being stroked during quiet times, when the pack is settled in, cozied up in the living room or bedroom, the outside world shut away for awhile. They enjoy being stroked least when theyâre in high-arousal play mode. Watch a dog who is called away from an exuberant play session and is ârewardedâ with a pat on the head â most will turn their heads and move away. Most dogs are not fans of patted while greeting other dogs, eating their dinner, or doing something that requires concentration.
And, just like people, dogs vary tremendously when it comes to who they want to touch them. Some are veritable streetwalkers, happy to get cuddly with anything with hands, while others are uncomfortable having strangers touch them at all, at least on the first date. We generally expect dogs to tolerate being touched by anyone, but that doesnât mean they like it. Theyâre just usually not in a position to do much about it.Related article
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In general, most dogs enjoy being touched on:
Although some dogs will turn inside out for any touch at all, most donât like their paws handled, arenât fond of anyone messing around with their hind legs or genitals, and downright hate pats on the top of their head. Of course, every dog â like every person â is different. Some people are particular about where they want to be touched; others are happy to make contact with another warm body any way they can.