Petting his dog is an almost natural gesture for the master. Reaching out to your animal and touching it gently is indeed a way of showing your affection. This simple gesture is far from trivial, however, because it is part of a tradition of communication. This tradition between mammals has existed for thousands of years between animal species, wild or domestic. This physical contact is indeed a way of exchanging, of conversing, of living together, even of being of service.
Petting your dog is therefore more than a gesture, it is a question of showing your attachment to your little companion. And this one often seems to appreciate this contact. He relaxes, his heart rate slows down, he secretes oxytocin, the famous hormone of well-being and love, just like his master who is behind this tender gesture. A moment of shared pleasure, all in simplicity.
However, despite this fact, can we deduce that the dog really likes caresses? What does this gentle touch actually mean to him? Why is he reluctant in some cases? Should we respect his possible refusals? How do you know when to pet him? A short tour of the question in this file.
What does petting mean to the dog?
If dogs are animals that communicate through contact, between congeners or with other species, it is through contact with humans that our doggie friends have learned caresses. This gesture is indeed only operated between man and dog and it has taken on a meaning, for the first, of reward within the framework of the domestication and education of the animal. As proof, many doggies are amply satisfied with this gesture from their master when it comes to rewarding their efforts or their good deeds, sometimes even more than with a treat.
However, the tactile side of the caress is not so obvious for our little four-legged friends. If the caress and this gentle contact are a tender way of showing affection between humans, the dog perceives them differently. For him, the caress does not only convey an emotion or a pleasure, it takes on a useful character and is linked to the strict relationship which unites the animal to its master. Indeed, for the dog, if his master caresses him, it means he has done well. It is quite possible to link the caress to pleasure, but for this the human must teach his doggie to perceive this gesture as soon as it is adopted.
Remember that contact can be perceived by some animals as a sign of aggression.
Should the dog’s opinion be taken into account before petting it?
Unquestionably, yes! This will allow you to avoid bad reactions, or even signs of aggression. Indeed, each animal has its own experience, its own character, its own sensitivity. Some doggies are tactile and like contact, but others are indifferent to petting, even fearful and elusive or, conversely, aggressive.
Petting your pet if it is used to it is usually not a problem. Provided you choose your moment well – so as not to disturb him in the middle of a meal or in full rest, for example – you can initiate this contact without risk. On the other hand, however tempting the situation, avoid petting the first dog you meet. He may not be willing to accept this gesture, whether the animal knows you well, a little or not at all.
Avoid petting a dog you don’t really know. This familiarity can be experienced as an unwelcome intrusion for him. Some dogs may perceive your touch as an aggression, a threat or a distressing gesture. After all, there is nothing ridiculous about this perception. Indeed, not all humans are comfortable with an unfamiliar dog coming towards them and rubbing their legs or rearing up on their hind legs to touch them. Contact between humans is also poorly perceived by some people who are uncomfortable with the tactile contact of certain relatives or certain strangers. It is therefore necessary to be able to accept that all dogs are not all equal in the face of this contact.
Therefore, do not pet an unfamiliar dog uninvited. Take the pulse of the situation beforehand to be sure that the animal will appreciate being touched. As for your dog, also make sure that he is willing to accept your petting before offering it to him.
What are the signs that a dog does not want to be petted?
With your dog, it’s easier to know when it’s appropriate to pet him. However, your little companion can completely “force” himself to accept this contact from you, simply to please you. In this case, you will surely be able to observe certain signs that prove that he is not necessarily comfortable in this situation. If he seems tense, rigid, if he’s yawning, if he looks away or looks away, it’s because the caress is far from relaxing him. It is better to limit contact so as not to impose this discomfort on him for too long.
It is up to you, as the owner, to learn to respect your dog, his needs, his limits and his desires. So that the caress remains a pleasure, never force it, do not impose it on an animal that is not ready to receive it. Keep in mind that even the most affectionate of doggies may not always be on point and willing to accept cuddles all the time. Be patient and attentive to your pet’s desires so that you know when it is good not to disturb him.
With a dog you know little or nothing about, be extra careful. An unfamiliar dog may come towards you without wanting to be touched. If he seems to be fleeing when you reach for him, don’t insist and avoid touching him. Respect his reserve, because your gesture may be perceived as a threat or an attempt at aggression.
A dog that does not accept contact is not necessarily a “bad pooch”. Indeed, it is possible that the animal has a painful past, that it has suffered from a trauma or quite simply that it is injured to the point that the touch is unbearable for it. So avoid petting it if you don’t know it. And if it is your little companion, show patience and gentleness so that the situation improves… if it should improve one day, because it is possible that your pooch is simply an animal that does not takes no pleasure in this type of contact. If necessary, do not hesitate to be accompanied by a professional, such as your veterinarian or a canine behaviorist.
Finally, it seems important to us to remember that certain situations require avoiding caresses. Even if you know the animal well, do not pet it in certain contexts. For example, leave the eating dog, the sleeping dog, the anxious dog and the alert dog alone. Indeed, if the doggie is busy with a mission (guard dog, herding dog, hunting dog, etc.), disturbing him with a caress while he is focused on carrying out his task can greatly disturb him. , to the point of triggering an aggressive response.
How should you pet a dog so that it remains a pleasure?
The caress is not so trivial for the dog, we have amply repeated it. It is therefore important to pay attention to each gesture so as not to lead to a misinterpretation and a bad reaction.
Indeed, a caress made by surprise, on an animal that was not expecting it, can scare him and generate a stress reaction. The surprised doggie may react badly to this gesture which frightens him. A caress that is too abrupt, a little too strong, can be perceived as a threat or an aggression. The animal may not appreciate this brutal, dominating gesture and react aggressively or feel intense stress.
To give you every chance of petting your dog or a dog that is not yours in the best conditions, it is best to adopt the right gestures. Present your hand to the animal by bringing it gently towards its head, without surprise. The dog will be able to smell you and prepare to better welcome the caressing gesture. If he seems to accept it, pet him gently. Otherwise, abstain!
When you are in the middle of a “petting session” with doggie, pay attention to the signals he sends you in order to learn how to stop at the right time. If he tenses up when you touch certain parts of his body, he may not appreciate your gesture on those sensitive areas. And as soon as he lets you know he’s had enough, respect his wish and leave him alone.
Finally, remember that the dog’s basket is his space of tranquility. This is indeed his reserved space in which no physical contact is allowed. If doggie goes there, it’s because he wants to be quiet. It is therefore essential that you respect this need. Don’t disturb him, don’t bother him, don’t pet him. Teach your children, different family members and all your visitors to respect this need. That no one disturbs the animal in its basket, it is important to take care to be attentive to the desires of your little companion, including in this context.