A loving owner takes every opportunity to cuddle and pet his dog. Few people think that such actions may not please their four-legged friend. But in reality this is so, often the pet simply obeys and tolerates it because it is devoted to its owner.
Photo: https://uprveter32.ru/images/foto/GVS_Bryansk/sobaka_10_prizn.jpg
When should you not pet your dog?
Many of us believe that any touch to a dog should cause him delight or pleasant sensations. In fact, everything happens exactly the opposite. After we touch the dog, we see his strange reaction, he puts his ears back and looks from under his brows. This means that the dog does not like you petting him at all, or the place is not suitable. Perhaps touching makes her feel uncomfortable. Therefore, it is advisable to stop any petting so as not to irritate the dog.
When not to pet a dog:
- When she is in the process of playing, in a playful mood, she runs after a ball or plays with other dogs. In this case, she is not at all interested in affection, she wants to play. In this case, the pet may react inappropriately to your touch. This can serve as a kind of call to play, so your friend can easily grab your fingers or poke your nose into your palm, distracting him by wagging his tail. This means that the dog does not want to be stroked, the main desire is games and fun.
- While eating. The fact is that almost all dogs, no matter how long you have had them, treat food carefully and scrupulously. Many people have noticed that if you approach a dog during a meal, it begins to growl, bare its teeth and threaten. Accordingly, under no circumstances should you touch the dog while eating.
- The dog is sick or sleeping. Any stroking can wake the dog up or aggravate its condition. Therefore, refrain from stroking at such moments. The ideal option for petting a dog is a quiet time after a walk. The dog wants affection only when it is well-fed, clean and has had a walk. Accordingly, it is best to carry out such manipulations after walking, feeding, and bathing the dog.
Games with a pet
Invitation to greeting
When making first contact with your four-legged friend, squat down next to him so that you are at the same level as him and see if he wants to greet you. You should not bend over your pet, this will cause him anxiety and a sense of danger.
Extend your hand, making sure to make a fist. If the animal sniffs it and leaves, then this is a clear sign that it is not interested in any interactions. If the dog remains and begins to nudge you with his nose, then petting can be continued.
How to stroke a dog correctly so that it likes it?
How should you pet your dog? Under no circumstances should you move against the growth of the fur.
How to pet a dog correctly so that it likes it:
- The fact is that they can cause discomfort in the dog, so the reaction is ambiguous and inadequate.
- Even the most obedient dog can lunge, growl or run away. Therefore, put off caresses until later, and under no circumstances stroke against the grain.
- Approach the dog carefully in a special manner. The thing is, if you walk too fast, the dog may get scared and interpret it as an attack.
- Therefore, walk with an average, measured and full of confidence gait.
- You must be absolutely calm and not afraid. Dogs do feel fear, which can encourage them to bite or react inappropriately.
Dog's reaction
Don't hug
With any hug, a person expresses love. But, unfortunately, with dogs everything is completely different.
When a pet puts his paw on another dog's back, he is showing his dominance over him. Based on this, when hugging a person, the dog will feel anxious. And you will become a threat to him. After all, you dominate him, suppress him.
Hugging is the most common reason why a dog might bite you. There are exceptions. Animals that are used to hugs. But this does not apply to yard pets.
Why do dogs love to be scratched when petted?
It is necessary to approach not directly towards the muzzle, but slightly around it in an arc, so as to stand on the side of the dog. The dog will be able to judge the distance and understand that you do not mean harm to it.
Why dogs love to be scratched when petted:
- The owner's touch to the dog is usually always received well. The fact is that this is a sign of affection. In addition, dogs want to feel needed and useful. They are always loyal to their owner.
- Therefore, any encouragement from him is received very well. The dog perceives the stroking of its owner as encouragement and affection. This is a sign that a person is happy with his pet.
- It is best to stroke the area behind the ears and between them. There is no need to stroke the withers; you can stroke the sides with light movements. Try not to touch other places, and under no circumstances make patting movements.
- Try to speak in a calm and confident voice. If you notice that the dog is taking steps back, lowering its ears and looking at you from under its brows, it is best not to annoy the dog and leave it alone.
Dog
Where is the best place to pet a dog to make it feel good?
There are places when stroking which the dog experiences pleasant emotions; it really likes it.
Where is the best place to pet a dog to make it feel good:
- Such places include the area behind the ears, between the ears, between the eyes and on the side of the tummy, chest, that is, on the sides. But there are also places where you should not iron. In most cases, the dog will stand silently and wait for the action to end.
- She does not want to disappoint her owner, cause him discomfort and anxiety. Therefore, in most cases, the pet will simply sit and be silent, with eyes downcast or ears tucked back.
- After you finish petting, the dog will simply walk away. This does not mean that she is pleased, she just tolerates it and does not want to disappoint you. After all, dogs are very attached to their owners.
Pet
Threatening gesture
The owner can stroke his pet’s head as much as he wants, not realizing that the dog tolerates these caresses only because he is attached to him and recognizes him as the main thing. At the same time, the dog does not see anything threatening in this gesture. If an animal tries to pat a stranger on the head, it may become aggressive.
For the most part, dogs do not like this gesture, considering it rude and threatening. This fact was proven by British scientists. Because of this, they recommend using a less threatening approach. For example, a light scratch on the chin or ear will be most preferable for our four-legged friends.
Is it possible to stroke a dog’s head, nose, scratch behind the ear, stroke its throat, chest?
The most unpleasant places for a dog are the following:
- In the muzzle area. In particular, stroking just below the lower lip and jaw can cause discomfort. In this area there are very coarse hairs that act as sensory organs. This area is extremely sensitive, so touching it may cause discomfort.
- The lower part of the body, in particular in the tail area. There are also certain areas that are mainly stimulated during mating. Therefore, you should not pet your dog in this area.
- Also, do not pet the tail or paws. Almost all dogs experience discomfort when stroking their front and back legs. The area near intimate areas is prohibited. However, some dogs may fall on their back, thereby playing. They love to have their belly scratched. In this case, it is better not to stroke, but to move the nails, that is, scratch the tummy. It is best to do this at the top, and not closer to the genitals, if it is a male.
Games with a pet
Don't scratch your belly
The belly is the most delicate and most vulnerable part of a dog's body. If she shows it to you, then, first of all, it is a sign of trust, and not a call to scratch it.
In a pack of dogs, the gesture of falling on your back with your legs up indicates a certain greeting and trust. The owner is touched by this. However, we are not advocating that you stop scratching your pet's tummy from now on.
Over thousands of years, our four-legged friends have learned to understand what a person wants and what gives him pleasure. And they don't stop it.
Why can't you pet your dog's head?
Many owners may use patting movements rather than stroking. They are usually carried out in the area of the lower body, closer to the tail, or on the sides. Some dogs may perceive patting as punishment. Do not pet or pat your dog on the head.
Why you shouldn't pat your dog's head:
- There is a thin layer of fat on the head and a lot of sensitive areas, touching which can cause discomfort in the dog.
- Any movements in this zone are perceived as rudeness, physical force, and its manifestation.
- Therefore, completely avoid stroking the head and patting the dog; this is in no way a reward for the dog and does not cause pleasant sensations in it.
- You may notice that after performing such movements, the dog curls up its ears and tilts its muzzle down.
- This means that it is unpleasant for her, and it is advisable to stop such actions.
Research by scientists
In 2011, an experiment was conducted in which 28 animals of different breeds, ages and origins participated. Devices were attached to them that recorded heart rate.
A stranger was brought into the room and asked to stroke the quadruped in nine different ways on the top of the head, chest, shoulder, neck, base of the tail and paw, observing their reactions. When the animals began to be stroked on the head or paw, they began to lick their lips, yawn, and their heart rate increased.
These signs indicate that they are under stress. The tension became significantly less when the chest, shoulders or base of the tail were stroked. Obviously, your four-legged friend can put up with a lot more than a stranger you meet on a walk.
Why can't you pet other people's dogs?
Many of us want to pet an unfamiliar dog while walking in the park, or to caress the dog of a friend or neighbor we know.
Why you shouldn't pet other people's dogs:
- It is advisable not to take any active actions without the owner’s permission. Ask about the dog's personality and ask to pet it. Only with the permission of the owner proceed with your plan.
- The fact is that almost all dogs are wary of strangers. What the owner is allowed to do, they do not allow others to do. Some dogs react negatively to any touch that comes from strangers.
- But many people love affection, so they will gladly accept such strokes. In any case, ask the owner.
Frightened dog
Under no circumstances should you approach stray dogs with the desire to pet them. This is an unfamiliar dog who doesn’t know how he will react to your touch.
Be gentle
When giving pleasure to an animal, treat it calmly and slowly stroke it in the direction of fur growth. Don't be rude if you don't know the dog and don't know how he likes to play. All movements should be soothing and have a therapeutic effect for both the animal and the person. There should be mutual benefit from common contact.
A relaxed, gentle and slow stroking style will lead to longer contact. Four-legged animals do not respond well to human interaction when they are excited, meet a fellow animal, or are busy eating. In this case, you need to wait for the right moment to pet the dog.
