Does Your Dog Really Want To Be Hugged?

There seems to be a lot of controversy now regarding dogs and hugging.  There are ‘experts’ who claim that dogs feel threatened and that what you interpret as enjoyment from them might be the dog simply enduring the moment, or possibly barely contained dislike for what is happening.  The theory is that because dogs are animals that, in times of stress or threat, have a first line defense of their ability to run away, they may feel surrounded and immobilized when hugged, which may cause their stress and anxiety levels to increase.

I strongly believe that the answer to the question: does my dog like to be hugged depends on her personality and background, and on your relationship with each other.  You might already know exactly how your dog feels about hugging.  If she leans into you and snuggles up, it’s safe to say that she likes her hugs from you and does not feel threatened or immobilized in any way.

It’s important to be sure how your dog feels about being hugged by you, but it’s also important to know how she feels when strangers go in for a hug.  If a dog barely tolerates hugs, then the wrong hug at the wrong time from the wrong person may trigger anxiety or fear in your dog and could result in your dog snapping at the hugger.

Thankfully, dogs make their thoughts abundantly clear through their body language, and as long as you know what to look for, you will know what your dog thinks of a loving squeeze. Please see my article on Understanding Your Dog’s Body Language, dated March 28 2016.

A very good way of determining whether your dog likes to be hugged is to have someone take a photo of the two of you hugging. While we’re hugging our pets, we don’t see their faces, so the photo will tell the true tale.

Signs of Distress

Bared teeth is an obvious sign of anxiety

If your dog turns her head away from you and your hug (averted gaze), she is turning away from whatever is worrisome or distressing

When a dog’s mouth is open and relaxed, the dog is relaxed. If your dog closes her mouth when you hug her, she may be experiencing a change in her feelings

Licking, yawning, or raising a paw can be signs of distress

Lowering her ears or slicking them back against her head

If your dog “shakes it off” (as in after a bath) after a hug, she may be showing displeasure

(There is no sound in the video below)

If your dog happens to be of the type that isn’t into hugs, there are alternatives, like scratching or belly rubs. But, for the dog-lovers who can’t live without their puppy cuddles, you can always try counter-conditioning until you are certain that your dog is on the same page. Counter-conditioning is to hug your dog briefly and then give her a treat.  Repeat as needed.

Remember That Every Dog Is An Individual

Each dog is different, with different personalities and feelings, so it’s important to remember that your dog might prefer an ear scratch instead of a hug, or may only enjoy hugs from you and no one else.  Few dogs are comfortable with hugs from children who clasp the dog around the neck and hang on.  This may be very threatening to a dog, so be aware of this when your dog is interacting with your family. It is recommended to take great care in teaching children to be gentle and move slowly around pets.  To keep everyone safe, be sure to start off with controlled, supervised interactions between dogs and young children. Ensure that your dog is given her space when needed and always monitor the dog’s body language during interactions to make sure that both dog and children are comfortable and are having fun.

To continue the amazing relationship we have with our pets we must take on the responsibility of seeing the world from their perspective. This definitely includes the simple act of hugging. If you truly want to be your dog’s best friend, find out what they do and do not like and adjust your actions to what makes them comfortable.