09/22/2022
🤷♀️Why should I NOT hug my dog?
Hugging is a very natural and normal thing for a human to do. We do it to show our love, support, comfort, and affection towards one another. It is an action that demonstrates emotional warmth for a human being.
Our dogs give us so much joy and love, why wouldn’t we hug them? The answer is simple, it’s what humans do, and we are a completely different species from our canine companions. In the animal world, animals will show affection towards one another by rubbing up against them, licking them, or snuggling up when sleeping, however, they don’t really embrace one another with a hug.
Now, I am not saying dogs don’t like hugs, some of them don’t appear to mind, and maybe a small exception, but this could be a learnt behaviour that the dog learns to tolerate. There are some dogs who are deliberately trained and conditioned to like hugs for therapy, but that is something deliberately taught for a purpose. There are dogs that would do anything to be touched, stroked, and are absolute ‘sooks’ for attention, but bear in mind touching a dog and stroking is not a hug.
A hug can be incredibly invasive and restricting for a dog. It inhibits the dog's ability to move away if they feel uncomfortable. This would be disastrous for dogs who are anxious and fearful. The problem happens when the dog is uncomfortable and doesn’t know how to get away. They may feel trapped and may growl which is a clear warning signal that they are unhappy. This may get unintentionally punished as some people perceive a growl as rude. So, the next time the dog doesn’t growl, the dog just bites.
Understanding body language is crucial in understanding your dog. Our main communication is via vocalisations; however, the dog's main form of communication is body language. Canine body language is the sum of the dog’s facial expressions and body postures that they use to communicate their emotions and state of mind as well as their intentions to those around them.
If a dog is uncomfortable their body will appear tense, their mouth will be shut, eyes dilated, ears backwards, furrowed brows, and offer lip-licking gestures, and avoidance behaviour. It is very important to not over analyse and take any one individual signal, or posture on its own. You need to look at the dog’s entire body, demeanour, posture and most importantly, consider the
environment and environmental stimuli.
This is an incredible link to understand canine body language and how they communicate Please see the link here to understand dog body language: https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com/video/dog-body-language-101/
Every dog is different and the information I am trying to convey here is to be mindful of your interactions with your dog, especially when it comes to children.
The most important thing to take away from this is to NOT allow or encourage your child, or any child to put their face anywhere near a dog's muzzle. It is vitally important to teach children that hugging is what humans do, not what dogs do, and how we show our love to our dogs is to give them treats, gently stroke them, and give them quality time like throwing the ball, or taking them for a good sniffing walk.
When living with dogs and kids it is important to have multiple ways to implement safety management.
1. Never disturb an eating or sleeping dog.
2. Do not allow or encourage children to hug dogs!
3. Do not put your face close to the dog's face or lie on them.
Keep your face away from dogs' teeth! Rather sit beside the
dog and gently scratch where he likes.
4. Never allow children to tease a dog.
5. Do not invade his space and respect the dog's boundaries.
Leave him alone if he is in his crate or busy doing his own
thing.
6. Actively supervise all interactions between your dog and kids.
7. Chase me games are inappropriate for children to play with
dogs as it encourages rough play as well as heightens
predatory drive and excitement which can lead to a bite.
Rather play hide and seek games where you hide a treat, and
the dog has to find it.
8. Children should not play tug-of-war games with dogs as this
game can escalate. Rather play fetch and trade the object for a
treat or another toy.
9. Teach your family to recognise a dog's facial expressions and
signals.
It is always recommended to seek out a professional science-based, force-free behaviourist, or dog trainer if you feel worried about any behaviours you are experiencing with your dog.
Rather be safe than sorry.
