We love our dogs! Most of us consider them as more than just pets, we consider them to be our fur babies, with an emphasis on the word babies. With many of us having such strong feelings for our pups, it is no wonder we want to hug, cuddle, and otherwise shower them with affection. However, do dogs actually like being hugged and cuddled? It’s a touchy subject with experts weighing in on both sides of the argument.
First of all humans and canines do share a long history of emotional attachment based on mutual evolutionary benefit. Despite our historical bonds, however, we are of course very different beings with different modes of communication. Whereas humans hug to show love and affection, this concept remains foreign to our canine friends. They show and experience affection differently and may be uncomfortable with our more demonstrative displays, no matter how good our intentions.
How Dogs express affection
Dogs express their affection for us in ways that indicate their love, respect, and subordination. For example, most dog parents have experienced the intense tail wags that include the pup shaking his entire back side, an obvious sign of his adoration. In addition, your pup may roll over on his back and expose his belly to indicate his subordination which is another sign of his affection. Your dog may also put his paw on your hand to indicate he wants you to touch or pet him, which means he is comfortable with such actions. Finally, puppies and some adult dogs often rub against their owners, which is their version of a hug.
Human hugs, where you put your arms around your dog’s head, are not naturally understood as affection. On the contrary, the dog may feel threatened or restrained by this action. If your dog tends to pull his face away, while keeping his mouth closed and tensing his body with his ears held back, then he is clearly indicating that he is struggling with this behavior. On the other hand, a dog that is comfortable with being hugged will keep his mouth open, pant easily with his tongue lax, and may even bring his face in to cuddle or to lick you.
Which Dogs like Hugs
As mentioned, dogs in general do not understand hugs as affection. However, there are variations between breeds and individuals, so certain dogs may be naturally more affectionate than others. Larger cuddly breeds include Golden Retrievers, Great Pyrenees, and Newfoundlands, while smaller breeds include Maltese, Pomeranians, and King Charles spaniels. That being said, it is important to keep in mind that, like humans, dogs are individuals, so do not assume your dog will enjoy a hug, because he is of a certain breed.
Raising a Hug-Friendly Pup
Although you should never force your pup to accept a behavior that causes him stress, there are ways to get him used to this type of affection. In homes with small children, for example, it may be especially important to get your pup used to arms around his head, as your toddler may insist on hugging him when you are not around to supervise. It is also helpful for when you take him to the vet, and you need to restrain him while he is getting an injection. The following tips will help you to acclimate pup to your hugs:
- Sit next to your dog and place one arm around his back. Reward him for remaining calm while you are doing this.
- If he eventually begins to lean in while your arm is around him, give him words of encouragement and more treats.
- Practice wrapping your arm around him, gradually getting closer to his head as he becomes accustomed to your actions.
- Work up to using both arms, giving him plenty of positive reinforcement when he reacts appropriately.
Once again do not force hugs on a dog that is clearly resistant to them. Hugs are not natural for canines and so, you need to modify your behavior to fit their needs. If your dog is especially cuddly and affectionate and seems relaxed when you hug him then go ahead and enjoy the affection, but if he is clearly anxious then satisfy yourself with his chosen form of expressing his love for you.
