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Hugs Might Not Be Great For Your Dogs, And Here’s The Reason Why

Hugs Might Not Be Great For Your Dogs, And Here’s The Reason Why

We all enjoy snuggling with our pets, but have you ever considered if they feel the same way? Well, it turns out that not all dogs are fans of hugs like we are.

Experts say that hugging a dog can actually make them feel anxious and confined. This is because dogs naturally want to escape when they feel threatened, and a hug can make them feel like they can’t escape.

woman hugging a dog

Psychologist Stanley Coren points out that even though dogs might seem to like being hugged, their body language often suggests otherwise. 

He looked at 250 pictures of dogs being hugged and discovered that in 80% of them, the dogs displayed signs of stress, like drooping ears, squinting eyes, or turning their heads away.

Behaviorist Lauren Novack also believes that hugs can actually make dogs feel stressed. She explains that if a dog is uncomfortable, they will usually try to create some distance. 

sad-looking dog

So, if you don’t respect their space, they might start to growl or even bite to get their point across.

Now, you probably want to know how can you show your love to your dog in a better way. 

woman hugging a happy dog

Experts suggest that instead of hugging, you can pet your dog, speak to them kindly, or give them a treat. These simple actions can express your love without making your dog feel anxious.

But still, keep in mind that every dog has its own personality, and what one dog likes, another might not. 

sad dog laying down

It’s really important to watch your dog’s body language and signals to figure out what they enjoy. This way, you can make sure your time together is always happy and loving.