Your Dog Doesn’t Want a Hug?! Maybe Not!

We have two dogs and they DEMAND affection! I was a little surprised to find out that they may not like to be hugged. They love to be pet, get belly rubs and to give kisses. But now that I'm paying attention, they really don't enjoy a hug like we do! Stanley Coren is a psychologist and author who researched dogs' reaction to being held, and he has a theory that was published in Psychology Today. Not everybody agrees with him, but let's hear him out... According to Stanley, it's about biology. Dogs are cursorial animals, (meaning that they are designed to run, when they feel threatened their flight instinct kicks in- even before biting). For this reason, when they are held they feel trapped and stressed. Some dogs may even become aggressive. Dogs can also be like people, in that some are huggers and some aren't!

Here is some advice from dog trainer Corey Cohen:

• Never hug a dog that is unfamiliar with you
• Never hug a dog while they are eating
• Don't hug a dog if the environment is loud and chaotic

Here are some signs that a dog is not enjoying a hug:

• The white of their eyes are showing
• They turn their heads away from the person hugging them
• They lick or raise their paw to tell you to back off
• Their ears are flattened

Human beings are hard wired for hugging. It's a source of comfort and affection that we recognize from the time we are born. But dogs don't hug "hello". They would rather greet you by sniffing your face or your butt!

Does your dog enjoy a hug? Do you think Stan's theory should go in a poop bag? Comment on our Fan Page or tweet #doghugs

Maybe we should just shake paws to avoid an awkward moment.

Celeste