We look at why we love to cuddle our dogs – everyday and not just on #HugYourDogDay – but that not all dogs enjoy the experience. Learn the best way to hug your dog and help them to get used to being handled by their humans.
Isn’t every day a Hug Your Dog Day?
Tomorrow is apparently Hug Your Dog Day in the USA. For some reason they seem to think you need a special day to show your dog just how much they mean to you. Personally, I think every day is hug your dog day….
Hugging and cuddling cause release of a hormone called oxytocin. Oxytocin is a feel good hormone and both dog and human enjoy that feeling of security and safety.
But some dogs don’t like cuddles. They might feel trapped and struggle to get free, they may be fearful of a human towering over them, or they may simply not like being held and cuddled. I had to teach Gus to tolerate cuddles as he didn’t much like them. I need doggy cuddles sometimes, so he had to learn to put up with it and we both enjoy our sofa cuddles now.
Gus is quite happy being cuddled round his body, but he hated having things like hands and arms looming over his head, as do many dogs. Approaching to hold round the shoulders or body is better.
Our Free Stuff page offers advice on how to touch your dog
Use our reward audit booklet to find out how your dog likes to be touched – you can download a copy form the free stuff page if you need a copy. Gus’s favourite is being scratched at the base of his tail – he loves that.
The message for today? Hug your dog as much as you want – as long as they enjoy it.
How to let your dog be OK with being handled
Our Perfect Pet course teaches you how to teach your dog to enjoy being handled, both for basic husbandry and health checks and also for grooming and vet procedures – far too many dogs are stressed by vet visits because they haven’t bene taught what to expect.
Keep training and stay safe,
Carol
