I LOVE to Hug My Dog!

The truth of the matter is that almost all dogs do not enjoy being hugged and it can be a reason for a dog to return the affection with a bite.  This is one reason so many children are bitten by dogs every year.  For a child, a dog is not much different from a stuffed toy – something to cuddle and squeeze.  The reality is that dogs see children much like another dog, not a small human like we do.  When the dog is offended with a hug, the dog many times replies with a nip.  Unfortunately, to a child, even a nip can have devastating results.

Hard words to swallow, I know.  First of all, we have to understand that dogs are a different species than we are. They are not furry humans.  There are certain behaviors that to them, mean entirely different things than what we think they mean.  

In the dog world, when another dog puts their head over the shoulders of another dog, it is a challenge to social status.  Sometimes, it is innocent as in a puppy exploring to find his place in the social ranking with the other dogs.  A fair dog may simply move away from the puppy.  This can actually be a very healthy way for a puppy to develop a relationship with other dogs as long as the puppy respects the response of the older dog.  A dog that is a little unsure of himself may turn and nip the puppy.  

With other dogs, putting their head over the neck of another dog is a direct challenge to a fight.

Another important thing to consider is the breed of the dog.  Herding dogs are very sensitive to personal space. They need more.  Space sensitivity is what helps them to do their intended job – herding livestock.  Dogs in that group might be Border Collies, Aussies, German Shepherds, Cattle Dogs, etc. A herding dog is far more likely to respond negatively to a hug that reaches or bends over their shoulder.  Many hunting breeds have no personal space concerns and most of the time are oblivious invading personal space of herding dogs.

Now when we involve people, whether a dog accepts your hug or not has a lot to do with the relationship you have with the dog.  I was in a pet store one day when someone from out of town came into the store with their Golden Retriever and the clerk ran out from behind the counter and quickly hugged the dog right over his head and shoulders. The dog in turn growled at her.  The clerk was sure that the dog was growling at another loose dog in the store.  As I watched, I thought to myself it was a wonder that this dog did not bite her for her lack of sensitivity to the needs of this dog whom she had no relationship with.

In general, hugging a dog is NOT something dogs understand or think is affection.  Once in a while a dog will tolerate hugs from someone they have a trusting relationship with.  However, if you want to show affection to your dog, it will be much better taken if you scratch his butt instead of hugging him over the shoulders.  

Photo Caption:   Even with my own dogs, you can see Baewulf will tolerate, but is not COMFORTABLE with me hugging him over his shoulder.  It took me forever to get his head up, otherwise he wanted to dip his head lower than me.