Learn Where Dogs Like to Be Pet

The more the owner and the dog share a positive sense of touch with each other, the stronger their bond becomes. Moreover, petting dogs also affects humans in a highly positive way. When you pet a dog, you will see a big drop in your stress levels and a surge in your dopamine and serotonin levels.

How to pet dogs?

If you are approaching a dog that doesn’t know you, you must know the right way of doing so. Whether it is a stray dog or your newly adopted pet, these methods will let them know you are approaching with the right intent and help them trust you better.

1. Lower your body:

   To begin, approach the dog slowly by squatting at a level close to the dog. This way, your approach will not frighten the dog.

2. Face the side:

   Secondly, sit facing the side of the dog rather than the front. Also, avoid looking directly into their eyes for long as that can make the dog feel threatened by you.

3. Wait for a positive reaction:

   Read the dog's body language first. If your approach does not make the animal back away and they wag their tail, you can begin petting the dog. The correct way to begin petting a dog so that they feel safe is to touch them from the side, starting with gentle stroking or scratching. If this touch makes the dog feel relaxed and safe, they will gradually squeeze closer to you, which means they like your petting.

Where do dogs like to be pet?

Next, it is important to know what are the best spots where dogs like to be pet. Because even when they like your petting and caressing, there are some spots that are sensitive where the animal may not like being touched. A wrong touch on those spots may make the dog feel upset and can even make them aggressive.

If the dog does not back away from your approach and wags their tail, then start gently petting the area around their shoulders. Only after that, slowly begin petting other spots of their body. Some spots where the dogs really love being petted are:

• The shoulders (gentle stroking or scratching)

• Chest

• The base of the neck

• The base of the tail

• Under the chin

• The back of their neck

Where not to pet a dog

Some spots that you might want to avoid petting are:

• Face

• Muzzle

• Paws/feet

• Tail

These spots are very sensitive to dogs and petting the animal there may make them feel upset. Plus, if you accidentally hit those spots, you might startle the dog and make them defensive or aggressive (especially if the touch is violent or fast or when the dog is excited or alert). This can also negatively affect the dog’s feelings toward you in the long run.

It is also important to note that contact or petting should be avoided for a dog who is in a confined space (such as a cage) or is chained. Petting dogs during this time, especially in the wrong spot, can make them feel paranoid, and they can turn defensive and hostile.

Remember, good touch will keep your dog happy both physically and mentally. Their body relaxes when petted at the right points and in the right way. It will also result in the dog feeling good about you. Your bond with the dog will become stronger, and they will trust you more.

You can also win your pooch over with CESAR®’s range of wet dog food & make their tummy happy too!