National Hug Your Dog Day, a day dedicated to embracing our four legged friends, it is important to consider our interactions with them and to interact with them effectively. Our furry friends bring immense joy and companionship into our lives, but when it comes to expressing affection, it’s crucial to understand that not all gestures are universally appreciated by our canine companions. One such gesture that can be a source of stress for many dogs is the human act of hugging. In this blog post, we will explore why hugging your dog might not be the best idea and how to respect their boundaries.
1. Canine Body Language: Dogs communicate through body language, and understanding their signals is key to maintaining a positive relationship. When dogs feel uncomfortable, stressed, or threatened, they may exhibit signs such as flattened ears, lip licking, turning their head away from you or avoiding eye contact. Hugging can restrict their movement and trigger anxiety, as it goes against their natural instincts. Dogs are social animals however being embraced in a hug can make them feel confined and vulnerable. Tight restraint can be associated with a potential threat and they feel like they are being trapped. They can’t get away from anything that scares them or makes them feel uncomfortable in your grasp. Plus as we give direct eye contact and place our faces near to someone else especially when in an embrace, this is especially threatening for them and they could misinterpret this as aggressive or threatening. Respecting their personal space is essential to fostering a sense of security and trust.
2. Individual Preferences: Just like humans, dogs have unique personalities and preferences. While some may tolerate hugs, most may well find it uncomfortable or distressing. They may well display more stress signals in their body language. If the dog’s stress levels are too high, this could lead to an aggressive encounter such as a bite. This puts the person, whose face is next to them, at serious risk of harm and injury. It is essential to teach
Written by Clare Bradley, MSc RVN 
