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Do Dogs Like Hugs?
Do Dogs Like Hugs?

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Do Dogs Like Hugs? Everything You Need to Know About Dog Hugs

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Most humans recognize a hug as a sign of affection and close friendship. That is exactly why we feel this strong urge to hug dogs out of love. After all, they are the best type of best friends. As pet parents, we love greeting our pawsome pals with dog hugs. However, do dogs like hugs? In an IAMS™ survey*, 83% of dog parents say their dog likes hugs too. Is this true? We’re going to try and get an answer to this question.

 

Do dogs like hugs?

 

The short answer is no. Dogs do not like hugs. Now, let’s look at a bit of an explanation to this. 

 

Some dogs enjoy canine cuddles, but usually only with their owner or household members. Otherwise, they don’t care about it. “Hugging is too much and overwhelming for many dogs and should be discouraged if the dog doesn’t know the individual very well”, advises James Serpell, B.Sc., Ph.D., Professor of Humane Ethics & Animal Welfare at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

 

So, why don’t dogs like hugs? To understand this, we may need to look at what a dog really feels when you try to hug it. 

 

What do dogs feel when you hug them?

 

Here is what your pooch probably experiences when you try to engulf it in an embrace:

 

  • Unnatural behavior

    Hugging is human behavior and not dog behavior. These animals are just not physically built for that kind of interaction. We stand upright, so we face people. Dogs are on all fours, making hugging an unnatural act for them. Hence, they prefer a friendly sniff.

  • Dominance

    To dogs, a hug comes off as dominating behavior; it feels like someone is trying to assert control over them. It can be stressful, especially if done by a stranger.

  • Lack of freedom

    Since ancient times, a canine’s first instinctive defense has been to run away from danger. And hugging makes them feel trapped and confined. As humans, we too feel awkward when a person we barely know gives us a long and tight hug, right? Dogs somewhat feel the same. To some extent, they would also want to escape.

 

How to know when your dog is uncomfortable?

Sniffing is a dog’s way of expressing love. However, we humans definitely don’t regard sniffing the same way. And no matter how much we love our canine companion, we do feel a little uncomfortable with this gesture. Similarly, your pet might find hugs discomforting. Don’t worry. A dog’s body language will give you all the signs you need to know about their comfort level. But in order to understand these signs, you must learn to read them. So, let us understand some signs that indicate your dog is uneasy.

  • Your dog will look away

    Dogs try to avoid anything that stresses them out. So, if your dog looks away when you enfold them in your arms, they don't like hugs. Your furry friend might also open their eyes wide while looking away and this allows you to notice their whale eyes. Whale eyes are when you see the whites of a dog’s eyes. Now, that is another indication of stress and discomfort.

 

  • Your dog stiffens

    Dogs are generally flexible when relaxed. If your dog gets stiff when you wrap your hands around them, you should probably set them free. Your dog might also lower or tuck their tail under the belly out of stress. Moreover, you must also pay attention to your pet’s ears. Lowered ears are a sign of a stressed dog.

 

  • Your dog yawns

    It’s no news that we yawn when exhausted. However, if your pooch yawns during dog hugs, they are getting stressed out. It is their way of conveying that they don’t like something.

 

Signs that your dog likes hugs

Every dog is unique. While most of them feel uncomfortable with hugs, some might like being embraced. Here’s how you can confirm if your furball doesn’t feel suffocated when you hug them:

  • Your dog wags their tail

    Tail wagging can mean several things. However, you know your dog is happy when they give you a full-body tail wag. Slow, relaxed wags mean that your dog feels composed and at ease.

 

  • Your dog puts their paws on you

    Placing the paws on the hugger signifies that your dog welcomes this form of attention. A dog’s paws can do more than just walk and dig holes. It is one of the most effective modes of communication for them.

 

Alternatives to dog hugs

Don’t worry if your dog doesn’t want to hug it out. There are plenty of healthier ways you can show them you are still their best friend:

 

  • Pet them or give them a good, relaxing brush
  • Take them on walks or play a game with their favorite toy
  • Give them their favorite food or treats
  • Tell them they are a “good boy” or a “good girl'. They never get tired of hearing that.


If you're looking for the perfect dog for you, try our Dog Breed Selector today and enjoy a lifetime of tail-wagging joy.

FAQs on Do Dogs Like Hugs

  1. Do dogs know hugs are affectionate?
  2. Dogs do not generally recognize a hug as an affectionate gesture. However, they learn to accept hugs from their owner.

  3.  I like hugging my dog. But do dogs like being hugged?
  4. Your dog might not look at hugs the way humans do. For most dogs, hugs are discomforting.

  5. Do dogs feel love when you cuddle them?
  6. Yes. Dogs like cuddling because they love you. If your dog cuddles you, you are a part of their pack.

  • Understanding Puppy Food Nutrition Labels
    Understanding Puppy Food Nutrition Labels
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    Understanding Puppy Food Nutrition Labels

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    How much do you know about the food you’re buying for your puppy? When shopping for puppy food, pay attention to these three sections of a dog food label.

     

    1. The Ingredient Panel

    This section lists all the ingredients that make up the product. The ingredients are listed in descending order according to weight before cooking. In dry food, look for a source of high-quality animal-based protein: chicken or lamb, for example. Dogs thrive on animal proteins.
     

    Manufacturers who use large amounts of vegetable proteins might be saving money by providing basic — but not optimal — nutrition. You should also avoid artificial colors and flavors, which offer no nutritional benefits.

     

    2. The Guaranteed Analysis

    Near the ingredient panel should be a chart of percentages called the 'guaranteed analysis.' These figures reveal the basic nutrient makeup of the dog food's formula and protein content. The minimum percentages of protein and fat and the maximum percentages of fiber and moisture (water) should be listed.

     

    3. The Manufacturer’s Name and Address

    This information must be included on the label by law. A toll-free number or web address for the manufacturer may also be listed. Manufacturers who list a phone number, such as IAMS™, generally have a high-quality product and welcome consumer calls and questions. If you would like information about IAMS products, visit our website or call us toll-free at 800-525-4267.

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