Dogs are with no doubt one of the most interesting and lovable creatures.Despite the human-dog relationship which has existed for more than a few hundred years now, we still might not be experts in handling them. We need to be attentive to know how our dog actually feels.The binomial name of dogs, Canis familiarise, was given by Carl Linnaeus, a Swedish botanist in 1758. The evidence revealing the domestication of a dog was 14,223 years old. A man and a woman were buried along with their dog. The dog had contracted canine distemper. There is a wide variety of dogs with around 450 recognized dog breeds throughout the world. The behavior of a dog can have a lot to do with humans. Petting is an act that involves calm and relaxed patting or stroking. Touching and playing with their fur is also part of petting. It can go wrong sometimes when you touch sensitive areas like their paws or tail. If you are someone that is curious about dogs or wants to impress your pet dog, don’t worry we have got a bunch of amazing tips that are both fun and informative.Continue reading and do check out our other related articles on why do dogs like being pets and do dogs miss their owners.Where do dogs like being pet?You might become the most favorite or the least favorite person of a dog, just by the way you pet the dog. There are a few favorite spots where dogs want to be pet. If you nail them, boom, you are the dog’s most favorite person. But there are certain spots where dogs don’t like to be touched and it might not just have them running in the opposite direction, you may also gain a few bites and scratches from them. Petting a dog has a few steps.To pet a dog, you can’t just walk up to the dog and give a pat or two on its head. Dogs, just like us, respect boundaries. Initially, you have to make eye contact by walking close to the dog and squatting by the dog’s side. This encloses the gap in between and lets them know that you are welcoming. They can react by wagging their tails or by taking a few steps closer to you. They can also sniff. Your scent can say a lot about you. Do not be alarmed when they sniff. This just means they are collecting information about you or may be trying to read you. Body language is very important before you start petting them. Hovering over them or directly approaching them might be seen as a threat. This type of body language often frightens them. Move sideways and make your body movements subtle rather than jolting them with sudden movements. Once they move in for physical contact by wagging their tail or setting their ears behind you can proceed to pet them. You can pet a dog on its chest, head, and shoulders. These are almost every dog’s favorite spots. Pet dogs can have a different or specific spot where they like to be petted and it can vary from dog to dog. Dogs that you have known for a while prefer being petted right below the chin, at the base of the tail, or at the back of the neck. Being gentle is key.You can also slightly scratch or massage dogs. If you are wondering whether you are doing it right, pay close attention to the dog. If they lean in for more and seem more relaxed, you are on the right track. Ears, legs, paws, and tail are some of the places where not all dogs like to be petted. So be wary before you try petting a dog in these areas. Hugging can also be seen as a threat. Dogs feel suffocated and will not be able to move when pulling in for a tight hug. Unless it is your own dog or some other dog that you have known for a while, it is better to avoid hugging. Children generally get excited when they see dogs and hug them or even squeeze them. They also tap dogs aggressively. All these movements should be avoided.Did you know a dog’s reaction to its owner or owners is entirely different from that of ordinary people? Its behavior towards its owners is also very different.What do dogs feel when you pet them?Petting a dog is sort of similar to hugging a person. Hugs give us a sense of security, tell us we are loved, and help in emotional bonding. These are the feelings a dog experiences when you pet it.Bonding: Dogs yearn for love and attention. They are very loyal animals that have stayed by humans for a long time now. Humans have also developed a bond with dogs. Little things like eye contact or a small gentle pat can make them feel loved. When you are patting a dog, it makes the dog feel like it is the center of your universe. Yes, that is how happy they are. You can often see them jumping around and sprinting called zoomies. Zoomies suggest that the dog is extremely happy in its environment. Petting is the first step to developing a more intense bond with a dog. These small gestures are remembered by the dog until their death.Trust and secure feeling: Dogs are usually stiff. When you pet your dog, you can see them slowly relax their chest and shoulders. If you pet them in the right spots, they immediately drop their guard. Petting helps dogs acknowledge the fact that you are not a threat and that you care for them. It is also the first step towards building trust. Your body language and physical contact will send this message right away. They only need a few sniffs to get to know you. When a dog leans on you or always sits near you it is a big win as it means they completely trust you.Attention: Dogs are not satisfied with a few minutes of petting. They want more. When you pet your dog, it is probably thinking why can’t this last forever. Dogs can get lonely quickly and it is very essential that you give them a lot of attention. When you move away right after petting them quickly, they can attack you with their puppy eyes asking for more.Why do dogs like being petted?If you are a dog owner, you are already aware of the fact that dogs want to be petted all the time. Dogs known when you are sad, angry, or happy. They can easily sense all this based on the chemicals released through our skin that are coordinated with our emotions.Dogs are very attentive and when they are near you, your heartbeat and blood pressure are also being noted. When you pet a dog, it can sense that you love the dog and that you are very happy around it. They constantly want to make sure that you have not changed your mind and that you still love them the same. A gentle touch on the head or a small treat or praise after training makes them feel happy instantly. This is why they love being petted. They also want to make sure that they have not angered their owners. Though the slow touch and contact can give them a feeling of comfort similar to the ones we experience when we get a massage, they have times when they want to be left alone.Do dogs get tired of being petted?Petting is not always welcomed. Dogs are attention seekers. They are animals that need confirmation of the love we have for them. Dogs love being petted.But this does not mean they want to be petted all the time or want constant interaction. Just like us, dogs also need their me time during which they are found probably sitting and relaxing or giving some rest to those legs. There are certain times they don’t want to be petted depending on the dog’s mood. Dogs can at times find the petting behavior irritating, especially when they are resting. Owners can easily tell when they want to be left alone. They are not going to be like this permanently. It is just a temporary behavior. They can be near you and still not to be want to be petted. Look for signs that tell you that they are not interested. The dog will turn its head and body away from you. It can also duck its head when you reach for a touch. A dog gently tucks its tail and the fur on its back stands upright when it is not comfortable. Do not pet a dog if it is resting or fidgeting with a toy. Low growls and angry stares are some of the signs which indicate that they want to be left alone. The ears also say a lot about a dog’s mood. If the ears are pointed towards you and not laid back, you should slow down your pace while petting them. If your dog is always showing signs that indicate that they are not willing to be petted, let them be. Do not force them. Instead, try other sorts of things like taking the dog for a walk or loud praise. If your dogs are shy, training them and letting them associate with other dogs might eventually open them up. It is a good start if you manage to keep the body, neck, and tail of a dog relaxed.Did You Know…Petting can lower a dog’s blood pressure. It also reduces stress.It is always advised to let a dog make the first move before you initiate body contact.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for do dogs like being pet then why not take a look at do dogs have taste buds or corgi facts pages.
Dogs are with no doubt one of the most interesting and lovable creatures.
