Dogs don’t actually need to be constantly petted, because how and when you touch them is way more important than doing it all the time.
The small spot
Try starting at the chest, rather than the head. It’s a lot more polite. Why? Because you’re not reaching over them and you’re instead meeting them where they already are. That relaxes them quite a bit. Sit next to your pup and rest your hand lightly on their chest.
Then, move it in slow circles. Most dogs are comfortable with being touched on the chest because they can still face you. They’re also able to breathe normally. You’ll know that it worked when they lean forward or stay loose. They’re enjoying it.
A little higher
It’s weird that some people ignore the shoulder area. It’s where a lot of dogs immediately react. Give this area a gentle scratch after you take your dog for a walk. The muscles there will be a lot looser. Just make sure to keep things calm and not try too hard.
Pay attention to their body language, too. A lot of dogs see this area as a safe zone, but you don’t want to assume. A soft face tells you a lot about what your dog’s thinking.
The small lift
Here’s one thing you should never try. Don’t go straight for the top of the head because it can make them nervous. That’s going to cause trouble. Instead, go from underneath and scratch them lightly under the chin. It gives your dog a lot more control.
They can decide whether they want more or not. Reaching over the muzzle is a big no-no. It’ll make your dog uncomfortable. Going for the chin keeps things calm and completely optional. That’s what your dog wants.
The slow melt
Ear rubs are great for practically every dog. You just need to make sure you do it right. Focus on the base of the ear, and move your hand slowly. That means no pulling and no folding. Definitely don’t dig around.
Keep an eye on your dog’s facial expressions, too. A dog with a relaxed mouth and soft eyes is usually a happy dog. If your dog leans in or lets out a sigh? Jackpot. You’ve hit the exact spot that your pup was looking for.
Down the line
There’s nothing dogs like more than predictability. That includes your strokes. Try giving them long, repetitive strokes along the side of the body. It’ll massively settle them down. You should begin near the shoulder. Then, move along the ribs in a nice, clean motion.
Yes, they’re a little less sensitive along their body than the top of their back. But that’s a good thing. They’re going to be less jumpy. As long as your dog doesn’t tense up, you know that they’re happy.
The funny wiggle
Have a look at your dog’s tail. There’s a spot right near the bottom that your dog will go crazy for. All it takes is a quick scratch. Soon enough, your dog might start kicking its legs or even doing a full-body wriggle. It’s in heaven.
Your dog reacts this way because it’s a scratch reflex. It’s connected to the nerves under the skin and spinal cord. However, make sure you keep it short. It’s way too easy to overstimulate your dog when you scratch them there.
Only on request
Dogs show their bellies because they want to be touched there, right? Not always. Sure, sometimes it’s an invitation, but sometimes, it’s not sure what’s going on. It might just be showing you it’s not a threat. But it’s not hard to tell the difference.
Is the dog loose and wiggly, maybe nudging you? Or does it have a stiff body and tight mouth? A loose dog is a happy dog. Take it as an invitation to give your pup an easy and soft rub. The truth is, you shouldn’t ever have to push it.
The boring good thing
Dogs are similar to humans in one way. They want something relaxed at night. No, they don’t want you to go crazy with them, they want you to give them something steady. It could be as simple as moving your hand slowly across their chest or side.
Keep it at the same speed and rhythm. You’ll know if they like it. They’ll have their eyes half-closed, and their body will be heavy. They’re in doggy bliss. The simplicity is sort of the point.
Their choice first
Honestly, the best piece of advice is to stop doing all the choosing. Let your dog tell you what to scratch. For example, one dog might lean their hip into you. They want you to touch their hip. Another dog might duck their head under your hand. What do you think they want touching?
That’s right, their head. Consent-based petting works wonders for a lot of pups. You’re allowing them to direct the movement. Look at where they guide you, and try touching them gently there. Then stop. You’ll get your answer if they decide to come back.
The small hello
The movies love showing big reunions between dogs and their owners. But real life is different. In fact, it’s usually better to be a little softer when you come back home. Give them a quick chest rub and a light scratch on the shoulder. Don’t go overboard.
It keeps things relaxed and puts the ball in your dog’s court. They’ll decide if they want more. They might stay, or they might not. It doesn’t really matter. Your goal is to make it feel normal and relaxed for your pooch.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.
