It’s commonly known that the best way to show affection toward a dog is to pet them. Most dogs love being pet and will seek out attention from humans. It’s just a normal dog behavior that most people don’t think twice about. But why do dogs like to get pet? Have they always enjoyed it or is it a learned behavior? These are things I've always wondered, so I decided to research it.
Do All Dogs Like Getting Pet?
When we see a dog, our instinct is to pet them. Yet, not all dogs like being pet, and the dogs that do enjoy it may not like it all the time. Like humans, dogs have preferences for when and how they want to be interacted with, so we need to respect their boundaries.
Dogs that aren’t used to being pet probably won’t like it. For example, shy dogs, such as dogs rescued from puppy mills, may be scared by human affection. Other dogs may like to be near people but prefer not to be pet. In those situations, you should give the dog space and let them come to you. You should never force the dog to be pet.
To tell if a dog wants to be pet, pay attention to their body language. If they move away when you approach, lean away from you, look away from you, freeze, shiver, or lick their lips excessively, they probably don’t want attention. If you notice those behaviors, it’s best to give the dog space to ensure their actions don’t escalate into aggressive behaviors like growling or nipping.
Why Do Dogs Like to Get Pet?
Not all dogs like being pet, but most do. So, why do dogs like getting petted? There’s more than one reason why, and the answer may be different for every dog.
It Feels Good
The simplest answer for “why do dogs love getting pet?” is that it feels good for them. It’s like we’re giving them massages every day, which is something most people would happily accept. Petting certain areas may feel better than others, which is why they may show their belly or lean their ear toward you to get you to pet those spots.
Dogs are Social Animals
Dogs are naturally social creatures, but they can’t communicate with us through speaking, so they need other ways to do so. When you pet your dog, it’s usually because they’re behaving well, so dogs learn to associate petting as a positive thing. When you pet them, they see it as your way of telling them you’re happy with them.
Some dogs will seek out attention as a way to engage in social activities like wolves do in the wild. For example, when you pet or brush your dog, it’s similar to how wolves groom each other. Petting your dog helps them feel closer to you, which is why they might seek it out, especially if they don’t have other dogs in the house to interact with.
There’s a Chemical Bond Between Humans and Dogs
According to studies, positive interactions between you and your dog can provide health benefits for both of you. When you pet or cuddle with your dog, both of you will likely experience a surge of oxytocin. Oxytocin is “the love hormone” and helps evoke positive feelings.
Thus, your dog may seek attention from you because they feel better mentally after being pet. Most dog owners will agree that petting their dog makes them feel better mentally too. It’s why therapy dogs and emotional support dogs can be so effective. Both you and your dog will likely feel less stressed after interacting with each other.
They Trust You
For some dogs, letting someone pet them shows that they trust them. This is especially true for dogs that are normally shy. Petting is a comforting action, so dogs are more likely to seek it out when the person petting them is someone they trust and feel safe around.
Best Spots to Pet Your Dog
Every dog has different preferences when it comes to petting, however, there are some spots that most dogs love. Most dogs adore being pet in the following places:
Rump
Belly
Chest
Shoulders
Under the chin
In most cases, the sweet spots for dog petting are the areas your dog can’t easily reach themselves.
If you’re not familiar with the dog’s preferences, try petting them in those areas and pay attention to how they react. If they move away from your touch, they probably don’t like it or don’t want to be pet. On the other hand, if they lean into it, that’s always a good sign.
For example, if a dog rolls on their back while you’re petting them, that usually means they’re encouraging you to give them a belly rub (unless they’re showing signs of stress, then they may be doing it as a submissive behavior).
Spots to Avoid Petting Your Dog
Most dogs prefer not to be pet in the following places, especially by people they don’t know:
Feet
Legs
Tail
Ears
Head
While some dogs may enjoy being pet in those areas, most aren’t fans because they associate it with something negative. For example, many dogs dislike having their feet touched because they relate that to getting their nails trimmed. For some dogs, being pet in these spots might just not feel good.
Again, every dog has different preferences. So, some dogs might love being pet in certain spots while others dogs might hate it. Pay attention to the dog’s body language to determine whether or not they’re enjoying it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do Dogs Like Getting Their Belly Rubbed?
Like being pet, dogs love getting their belly rubbed because it feels good and helps them form a closer bond with you. Showing you their belly is a vulnerable position for dogs, so it proves that your dog trusts you.
Can Petting a Dog Reduce Stress?
Yes, petting a dog is known to lower stress levels in humans. It’s a relaxing activity that releases oxytocin, the love hormone, for both you and your dog. So, it’s the perfect excuse to pet dogs more often.
How Should I Approach a Dog I Don’t Know?
Always ask the dog’s human for permission before petting their dog. Then, approach the dog with your side facing them and let them come to you. If the dog keeps their distance or shows signs of stress, it’s best to leave them alone.
Should I Let a Dog Smell My Hand Before Petting Them?
Letting a dog sniff your hand isn’t recommended if the dog isn’t familiar with you. Sticking your hand in a dog’s face could be perceived as a threat, making a dog more stressed. Instead, slowly get closer to the dog with your side facing them. Wait for them to come to you before petting them.
Can I Pet a Dog While They’re Sleeping?
It’s best to leave dogs alone while they’re sleeping. If you know the dog is fine with being pet while sleeping, then that’s okay, but some dogs may act aggressively if they’re suddenly woken up.
Petting Your Dog Benefits Both of You!
There are lots of reasons why dogs like getting pet. It feels good, it’s a social activity, and it builds a stronger bond between the two of you. Plus, petting a dog releases oxytocin for both of you, making it a beneficial experience for both dogs and humans.
However, not all dogs like to be pet. So, pay attention to the dog’s body language before deciding if you should pet a dog. As fun as petting dogs is, it’s important to make sure that the dog is just as happy as you are.