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Most dogs love a petting. But not all places are favorites.
Ellen from GELUKIGE HONDEN has written a guest blog for us about the do's & dont's.
Read here where you should and should not pet a dog.
The benefits of petting for dog and owner
Petting and being petted is nice. When you pet your dog endorphins are released that make him feel happy.
Both for you and for your dog.
When you pet your dog oxytocin is released which makes you feel relaxed. Your heart rate goes down, stress decreases and your blood pressure gets a little lower because of the oxytocin.
Preferably not a hug!
Before we start petting, here's the thing.
A hug, or embrace, is not something most dogs enjoy.
Not all dogs experience a hug as affection. Your four-legged friend may perceive it as threatening. He cannot easily flee during an embrace, as far as he is concerned.
Some dogs just don't want to be petted
Just like people, not all dogs like to be petted. This may have to do with upbringing or past experiences.
Does your dog prefer not to be petted? Not even in the common favorite places (which you can read more about further on), then it is better to leave your dog alone.
Some dogs just don't like it.
Fortunately, the majority of dogs love a petting... as long as it happens correctly.
Is something bothering your dog?
Does your dog not like to be petted in certain places, but for the rest your four-legged friend likes to be petted? Then there may be something wrong. Certainly if you that spot previously could stroke, however.
Do you notice that your dog feels uncomfortable when touching a certain spot and, for example, gives a growl, scream or snap? Then visit a veterinarian to have that spot examined.
Which dog do you pet?
There is also a difference in which dog you pet. If it is your own dog, you can often do much more than with a strange dog.
Your dog picks up much more from his owner than from a person he sees only a few times a year or for the first time.
Petting a stranger dog
If friends or family have a new dog, don't be so enthusiastic about petting it.
When meeting a dog for the first time, be cautious.
Let your hand hang down relaxed and do not look directly at the dog. That can be seen as threatening. Let the dog approach you and sniff your hand. Never bend over the dog, that can be perceived as dominant behavior. Does the dog stop sniffing and doesn't walk away? Then you can stroke him gently over his back or side.
Where do dogs like to be petted?
Time to discover where (most) dogs like to be petted.
It is important to first discover where your dog likes to be petted. So start petting carefully in different places to see where your four-legged friend responds positively.
Often the eyes will close and your dog will stretch out when petting relaxes him or her.
Below are the spots that are favored by many dogs.
Belly: The belly of your dog is a vulnerable part. So if you want to pet the belly, your dog must trust you. If your dog is stretched out, you can gently try to pet your four-legged friend on his belly.
Flanks: Your dog's flanks are on the sides of your dog, under his back. Pet along with the hair while your dog is standing or stretched out. Does your dog enjoy it?
Chest: The chest is also a nice place for a dog to be petted. It is an erogenous zone of the dog.
Jaw: Some dogs like to be tickled under his jaw. See how your dog reacts when you pet there. Always stroke with the hair.
Ears: Many dogs enjoy it when you tickle and pet them behind their ears.
Certain breeds like to be petted more than others.
For example, French Bulldogs love human contact and a good petting. Chihuahuas also love a petting. If you have the confidence of a Chihuahua they love to be petted on their belly.
Where exactly does your dog not like to be petted?
Now that you know better where and how your four-legged friend likes to be petted, it is also useful to know where dogs do not like to be petted.
Petting your dog's head (and cats too, for that matter) or giving him a friendly pat is not a good idea.
If you have a good relationship with your dog, then your four-legged friend will tolerate a pat on his head, but does not always like it.
This is because if you pet your dog's head and make eye contact in the process, your four-legged friend will feel as if he is being dominated.
Teaching children to pet a dog
It is important that children learn to pet a dog in the right way. Indeed, if you just let the children loose on your dog, in the long run it becomes very irritating for your four-legged friend.
It is important, when dogs are in contact, not to leave your dog and child alone. Teach your children to be quiet around the dog (and other animals).
1. Teach children not to pull the dog's hair.
2. Make sure children know that you should not hug a dog but pet it gently, in the neck or on the flanks.
3. Teach children that you have to let dogs go, if the four-legged friend approaches. Otherwise a dog feels that his freedom has been infringed.
4. Make sure children know to pet with the hair.
5. Teach children that patting the head is not nice for a dog.
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