Think twice before hugging: Dog's stress response revealed
Are you someone who often hugs your dog, believing it is as enjoyable for them as it is for you? If so, you'd better rethink your approach. According to behaviorist Patricia McConnell, few dogs handle this way of showing affection well.
4:14 PM EDT, June 2, 2024
Hugging, kissing, petting—these are common ways to express love for our four-legged friends. However, for many of them, these actions may be uncomfortable.
According to British behaviorist Patricia McConnell, dogs do not always tolerate such gestures from humans. Moreover, the sense of threat can trigger aggression or cause them to seek a way to escape.
Do you hug your dog? Here's what you should know
Patricia McConnell shared an opinion online that may seem controversial for many dog owners. She discussed the issue of hugging dogs. The behaviorist clearly stated that this activity is not pleasant for many of them.
On her blog, "The Other End of the Leash," she writes that your dog may jump on your lap, lick your face, or ask to be petted. However, this does not mean they want you to hug them. From my many years of experience, she finds that few dogs enjoy being held or squeezed by humans.
Increasing stress
According to McConnell, when a human hugs a dog, it can signal increasing stress and a sense of threat. When they are tightly squeezed, their stress levels can rise sharply. The animal then starts nervously looking for a way to escape. They may also become aggressive, barking, growling, or even biting.
Does Patricia McConnell believe there are dog breeds particularly averse to hugging? The behaviorist claims that this group includes guard dogs, including those of the wolf type, such as shepherds, rottweilers, or Dobermans. These breeds of dogs are inherently uneasy and suspicious. Their reactions to hugging can thus be the most intense and potentially dangerous.
