How to pet a dog

Ah, if only little puppies came with a user’s manual. After all, when it comes to petting a dog not all petting is created equal. We may think nothing about petting our own dogs and hugging them but when strangers approach our dogs, do they know how to pet it? Furthermore when you approach a neighbor’s dog, do you know how to properly pet their dog? Do you assumed it’s been trained?

To start, one sure way to see if a dog has been trained well is to see if it enjoys physical contact. That is, a dog that is not accustomed to being around people will be uncomfortable if someone pets the dog. Throughout time dogs may be able to learn to like this and get better when they’re around people. Petting a dog such as this will entail touching him or her a little without actually facing the dog or looking directly into his or her eyes.

On the contrary, a very obedient, well trained dog will enjoy the petting aspect, they’ll enjoy the social interaction and looking directly into the eyes is perfectly fine.

The next time you watch someone approach your dog or another dog it’s important to notice where they start petting the dog. Frequently people will begin by petting the dog’s head. It’s an easy place for them to reach and after all, it seems logical. However, one obstacle is it may cover the dog’s eyes and its ears; this inadvertently may block their vision or hearing. The dog may become nervous as a result. In addition to touching a dog on its head, patting a dog on its head doesn’t help much either. It apparently shakes their head which results in blurry vision.

Granted, a dog that is comfortable around people and being touched may not have as much of an issue with this as a dog who is uncomfortable around people or was abused as a pup. Actually experts say to avoid touching a dog’s face and especially its ears. When in doubt, while petting a dog it’s always a safe bet to touch or pet his or her chest or back. Some dogs may interpret leaning over to pet him or her that you’re trying to attack them. Keep in mind they don’t know if your intentions are good or bad, they merely see someone coming towards them.

As for your own dog, you’ll get to notice how to pet it and what he/she likes and doesn’t like. For instance, when your dog lies on his or her back and lifts a leg, they want to be pet on its chest. Petting your dog on the chest as well as back are typically ways to relax your dog. Sadly, not every dog was raised feeling comfortable to the touch. They may be scared when it comes to seeing human hands, therefore if your pet is resistant to being touched or if you approach a neighbor’s pet and notice they’re fearful, be careful when you use your hands. The best bet when petting the dog is moving them slowly.