{"id":362,"date":"2023-09-28T01:39:14","date_gmt":"2023-09-28T01:39:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.walkiesandwhiskers.com\/?p=362"},"modified":"2026-07-21T12:59:08","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T12:59:08","slug":"patting-the-dog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.walkiesandwhiskers.com\/uk\/patting-the-dog\/","title":{"rendered":"Patting The Dog: Where to Pet a Dog"},"content":{"rendered":"

You\u2019re probably thinking, \u201cThere\u2019s no right or wrong way to go about patting the dog. I\u2019ve been petting dogs my whole life!\u201d Well, yes, maybe you have been sharing the love with every canine that crosses your path, so you have experience. And yes, dogs are far less picky than cats when it comes to being pet the right way. However, there are some instances where patting the dog can cause them stress or anxiety<\/a>\u2014which could lead to a trip to the vet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since you want to make sure your furry friend is happy and relaxed, learning the right way to pet a dog is important.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Everything You Need to Know About Patting a Dog<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are many ways to go about patting the dog, but if you want the best experience for you both, you have to follow some rules. The first rule when petting a dog is only initiating contact if they come to you first. Far too often, humans take liberties with animals, not realizing that sometimes a touch is unwelcome and stressful. Since you want your dog to trust you, you need to show them that you can be patient and, yes, trustworthy.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dogs also have individual likes and dislikes. Some dogs prefer a good chin scratch, while others might like a nice pat at the base of the tail. When initiating a petting session with any dog, look for context clues for what they like best. Few places on a dog are off limits right away, though the safest spots are always on the head, under the chin, the chest, and back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind that if docile dogs become snappish when you pet them, it could be a sign of injury or illness. Take the dog to the veterinarian immediately for diagnosis. Some ailments that cause sensitivity to touch include ear infections, nail discomfort, and arthritic pain in the hips and back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Do Dogs Like To Be Petted?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes, dogs like to be pet\u2014as long as it\u2019s done the right way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Touch is something that all creatures crave, because it\u2019s such a special way to show you care. Touch also releases oxytocin<\/a>, the bonding hormone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For both humans and dogs, touch soothes anxiety, lowers heart rate and blood pressure, and promotes a feeling of comfort. However, you need to know how to approach a dog correctly and pet them so they don\u2019t feel threatened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Have You Been Petting Your Dog Wrong Your Whole Life?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So now that you know that trust must be established prior to petting a dog, you might have inkling that you\u2019ve been going about patting the dog wrong this whole time. Any dog you approach, be it a dog you\u2019ve seen dozens of times or a stray out in the forest, you have to avoid looking threatening. You shouldn\u2019t make the first move, and you need to be cautious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proper greetings are a must, as is using pets the right way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Petting, interestingly, can be used in lieu of verbal affirmations when training your dog. That\u2019s how important touch is to dogs. In fact, studies have found that dogs even prefer pets over \u201cgood boy\u201d<\/a> and consider it a reward for good behavior. For example, if your dog remains at your side when guests arrive instead of jumping around, give them a pet to show them that they\u2019re behaving well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This isn\u2019t going to work in more stimulating environments, though. If you\u2019re at the dog park, a pet isn\u2019t going to be enough to keep your dog by your side. It will, however, keep them calm enough to listen to your commands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Employ these same tactics when petting new dogs, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Petting an Unknown or Stray Dog<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So you\u2019ve come across a dog you don\u2019t know. The first rule is to never reach out to pet them. Reinforce this rule in your children, as well. They should never approach a dog who is clearly uncomfortable and trying to hide or run away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rather than reaching out where a dog could lunge and bite, give the dog a chance to come to you instead. Invite first contact by crouching or squatting down at their level and slightly turn your body to the side so your chest isn\u2019t facing them. With scared or timid dogs, this is a display that shows you aren\u2019t trying to be intimidating. If a dog seems far more confident, you don\u2019t have to squat down. Simply bend over, pat your thighs, and talk to them soothingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t hover over or around dogs. Make minimal eye contact, as that can be perceived as a threat<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the dog allows you to pet them, avoid going any further than under the chin. Never touch the top of a fearful dog\u2019s head, as this could be seen as aggression from a bigger animal. Dogs often keep their nose and eyes to the ground, so anything touching the top of their head is threatening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Petting a Friendly Dog<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Is the dog approaching with its tail wagging and eyes wide? Do you know this dog is friendly? It\u2019s still smart to let the dog initiate contact. Keep in mind that dogs live by their sense of smell and will want to smell your hand first. Curl your hand slightly, so your fingers are protected by the palm, just in case the dog becomes aggressive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Again, only start by petting the dog under the chin. As mentioned above, patting the dog\u2019s head may be perceived as aggression; even friendly, docile dogs might snap. Only proceed to pet the dog\u2019s head when they are completely comfortable with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, don\u2019t be in a rush to pet a friendly dog who exposes his belly. While there are occasions where this means the dog wants belly pets, it can also mean the dog is intimidated. You don\u2019t want to come off as too pushy or threatening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Only proceed to pet the dog beyond the chin and head when you\u2019re on good terms.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Where to Pet a Dog?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The best spots for petting a dog<\/a> include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n