Dogs obviously love caresses: true or false?
Petting your dog is a shared pleasure that seems to flow naturally. But a dog does not feel caresses in the same way as his master. Sometimes they are not welcome. It is better to know how to respect your dog’s sensitivity, and to know how to recognize when he appreciates or refuses caresses.
Physical contact, a natural need between animals:-
Many animals, wild or domestic, come into physical contact. These exchanges consist of an exchange of service between two individuals (I chase away your flies, you scratch my back). A way of living well together and contributing to the good health of members of the herd or pack… This is what we call grooming: helping each other and communicating through physical contact.
When you pet your dog, you enter into a great tradition of communication between mammals. It must be admitted that a caress brings as much pleasure to the person giving it as to the recipient. Dogs appreciate their master’s hand when it strokes their head, throat, stomach… Under the effect of caresses, Médor can literally melt. He gives in to pleasure, his muscles relax, his heart rate slows down… And his oxytocin level skyrockets. Moreover, this hormone of love and attachment also increases in those who caress!
The caress can have a different meaning:-
It is through contact with humans that dogs have learned to accept and appreciate caresses. They are now part of the privileged exchanges between man and animal. Over the course of the domestication and socialization of the dog, they have become synonymous with reward. To the point that, according to a recent study, most dogs would choose, between two rewards, a caress from their master rather than a good sausage.
However, this pleasure of being caressed is not as obvious as it seems. While humans like to express affection in a tactile way, it’s a little different for canines. For us, touching and caressing is a sign of affection, a way of expressing our emotions. The caress is a pleasure in itself. But for a dog it is different. The emotional charge of the caress is not the same. It enters the relational… and utilitarian domain. A dog’s pleasure in being stroked assumes that its master has taught it to it from a young age. It’s not really innate; physical contact can also be understood by a dog as aggression.
Before caressing, respect!:-
Each dog is unique, with its sensitivity, its history, its temperament… Some are very tactile and relational; others are more fearful and do not appreciate caresses. In summary, a caress does not always feel good. It’s all a matter of context, but above all of individuality. If you feel like petting a dog, remember that you are entering its intimate sphere. Whether it’s your dog or that of friends, he is not necessarily willing to receive your caresses. Their availability also varies depending on their level of familiarity with you. A dog who doesn’t know you well has every reason to be distant from your desire to pet her. Take the time to familiarize yourself with a dog before you start petting. If you do not follow the steps, your caresses may be perceived by a dog as threatening and anxiety-inducing.
The best attitude is to adapt to the mood and temperament of the dog, taking into account its habit of being handled… or not.
How do you know if a dog doesn’t appreciate your petting?
Certain signs indicate the discomfort of the animal which is caressed without pleasure. Because he loves you, your dog may let you pet him even if he’s not really available. By observing it carefully, you can spot certain signs of stress. He doesn’t relax, turns his head away or yawns conspicuously while you caress him… The tongue on his nose, the gaze into the distance: the discomfort is there. As soon as you notice these micro resistances , do not impose contact any longer.
Caresses:-
If you want caresses to remain a shared pleasure, learn not to insist. A dog’s desires can change quite quickly, depending on its physical or mental form, or depending on an event, a change… Receptive yesterday, it may be unavailable today for your caresses. Be patient. This doesn’t call into question the quality of your relationship, but you know how it is… There are days with it and days without it!
If a dog you don’t know very well, or not at all, runs away when you try to pet him, don’t insist. Your caresses risk being perceived as a threat and trigger an aggressive reaction. You are not intimate enough for this dog to accept your caresses without fear.
Sometimes a dog has had painful physical experiences . Traumatized, he turns out to be completely impervious to caresses. Gentleness and patience will perhaps secure him enough so that he will one day welcome your caresses. The help of a specialist, dog trainer or behaviorist, can prove decisive. Sometimes you have to accept that a dog remains inaccessible to any caress.
When a dog is in a state of alertness , there is no point in trying to pet it. A working dog is not available. Whether he’s watching a house, a child, or a flock, be aware that offering a hug may be frowned upon. Under penalty of a black look, a growl, or even a bite.
How to pet a dog while being sure to please him?
When wanting to pet a dog, you can make some mistakes which risk destabilizing it.
A caress that is a little too “manly” can be interpreted as aggression. Take it easy. If the caress is too rough, it can trigger a certain anxiety in an old, sick or fearful dog. A little sweetness is always nice…
A caress that comes by surprise causes stress. Dogs generally don’t like to be surprised. If you pet a sleepy dog, for example, the reaction can be strong. Unexpected physical contact causes some tension. Likewise, stroking a dog on the head, especially if the hand is from behind, can surprise him and cause him discomfort.
To avoid surprising a dog:-
To avoid surprising a dog, the best method is to present your hand to the side. If he sees your hand, he has time to sniff it and see its movement towards his head. The caress will be all the more welcomed. Better yet, start by flattering his throat before gradually moving up to his ears and forehead. You are sure to melt the ice.
A space is reserved for the dog’s peace and quiet: his basket . It is a reserved space where there is no question of creating physical contact. Never pet a dog in its basket and teach children to do the same. When you want to pet your dog, call him to offer it. You will quickly know if he is available or if he prefers his peace and quiet… for the moment.
Another way to please is to pay attention to signals of pleasure (or displeasure) during a caressing session. Some areas of the body are more sensitive than others; your dog appreciates the taste buds on one but not on the other… Again, no forcing, just respect the request to be sure to please.
Children can learn very early that a dog is not a stuffed toy and that petting it requires a little gentleness and a respectful approach. And remember that sometimes you don’t need hugs to express affection. A dog will appreciate your simple presence at his side, a walk or… a treat