We all love our dogs. They bring us joy, companionship, and unconditional love. As a way to express our affection, many would think a hug is the way to go. It isn’t unreasonable to believe our furry friends appreciate the gesture as much as we do. However, some expert opinions suggest that hugging may not always be the best way to show love to our canine companions. In fact, hugging your dog may cause more harm than good, leading to increased stress and potential risks. So, before you wrap your arms around your dog, let’s delve into the reasons why this may not always be a good idea.
The Science Behind Hugging Your Dog
Dr. Stanley Coren, a professor emeritus in psychology at the University of British Columbia, conducted a study to explore the effects of hugging your dogs.1 Coren analyzed 250 pictures of people hugging dogs from Google Image Search and Flickr, and the results were quite revealing.2 In a significant majority of the pictures, approximately 81.6 percent the dogs displayed signs of distress. These signs included turning their heads away, partially closing their eyes, ears held low against their head, lip licking, yawning, or raising a paw. These behaviors are clear indicators of anxiety in dogs.
Dogs’ Evolutionary History
To understand why dogs may not appreciate hugs, it’s essential to consider their evolutionary history. According to Coren, dogs are technically cursorial animals, meaning they are built for swift running. In stressful or threatening situations, their instinct is to flee rather than fight. When you give them a hug, they can feel trapped and unable to escape, triggering stress and anxiety. Hugging your dog goes against their natural inclination to maintain freedom of movement and protect themselves.
Potential Dangers for Children
Hugging your dogs, especially when young children do, can be dangerous in certain cases. Bites, especially facial bites, often occur after a child has been hugging the dog. It’s important to note that dogs may tolerate hugs from familiar individuals but may not respond well to ones from strangers or young children. Therefore, educating children about safe ways to interact with dogs is crucial to prevent accidents and promote a harmonious relationship between children and dogs.
Expert Opinions
While some people may dismiss the idea that dogs dislike hugs, it’s essential to consider expert opinions. Dr. Marc Bekoff, a professor emeritus of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder, acknowledges that your pets’ preferences for hugs can vary. Just like humans, dogs have different personalities, and some may enjoy hugs, while others may not. It’s crucial to respect their individual preferences and be mindful of their comfort level. If you’re unsure whether hugging your dog is the right call, it’s safer to choose alternative ways to show affection.
Reading Your Dog’s Cues
Understanding your dog’s body language is key to determining whether they enjoy hugs or find them distressing. Some common signs of discomfort or stress in dogs include stiffness, turning their head away, half-moon eyes (where the whites of their eyes are visible), lowered ears, tucked tail, yawning, lip licking, nose licks, and raised paw.3 By observing these cues, you can gain insight into your dog’s emotional state and adapt your interactions accordingly.
Alternatives to Hugging Your Dog
Fortunately, there are numerous ways to express your love and affection for your dog without resorting to hugs. Dr. Coren suggests using alternatives such as gentle pats, kind words, and treats. Additionally, dogs often appreciate belly rubs, scratches behind the ears or on the back, and engaging in interactive play like fetch or hide-and-seek. Positive reinforcement training sessions can also be a fun and mentally stimulating way to bond with your dog. By discovering what your dog enjoys, you can tailor your interactions to their preferences and create a stronger, stress-free bond.
In conclusion, while hugging your dog may seem like a natural way to express affection, it’s crucial to consider ther perspective and emotional well-being before engaging. Studies and expert opinions suggest that hugs may cause stress for them, and it can even lead to potential risks, particularly for young children. By paying attention to your dog’s cues and exploring alternative ways to show love, you can ensure a positive and harmonious relationship with your canine companion. Remember, love and care can be expressed in numerous dog-friendly ways, so let’s find the gestures that make our furry friends feel truly loved and appreciated.
