A Study On Dog Petting

The study: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2016/03/07/dog-petting-tips.aspx?e_cid=20160307Z3_PetsNL_art_1&utm_source=petsnl&utm_medium=email&utm_content=art1&utm_campaign=20160307Z3&et_cid=DM99676&et_rid=1387788721

Suggestions for enhancing your relationship with your dog through touch:

Let your dog initiate contact most of the time, rather than invading his personal space. Some dogs need a little time to settle themselves before getting physically close enough to be touched.Pet your dog gently on the chest or behind the ear closest to you (to avoid reaching over her head for the other ear). Always avoid petting that involves reaching over or across your dog.As a general rule, it’s never a good idea to hug a dog. Some dogs tolerate it, but it’s a form of constraint, which feels threatening to them.Stop petting your dog after a short time and see if she asks for more, or seems relieved and/or moves away.Watch for stress signals, including looking away, lip licking, yawning, ears back, “whale eye” (the white of the eye is showing at the corners and/or rim), lifting a paw, tail tucking, freezing, or urination. If your dog is doing one or more of these things, stop touching him and give him some space.Always ask the dog’s human before interacting with a pet you don’t know.

In all interactions with our animal companions, we should pay attention to the impact we’re having on them. Each dog is an individual, and while one dog may love a vigorous rubdown, another may be completely stressed out by that type of handling.

Additionally, there are some dogs that have anxiety and fear being approached by strangers, in general. There’s an organization trying to promote the identification of these dogs from a distance by using a yellow ribbon on a leash, throughThe Yellow Dog Project, which I wholeheartedly endorse.

By observing your dog’s reaction to physical contact and following his lead, you can enhance your bond with him and forge a more positive relationship.

More about the Yellow Dog Project: http://theyellowdogproject.com/The_Yellow_Dog_Project/About.html (coming up next!)

Source: https://myanimalcare.org/2016/03/07/a-study-on-dog-petting/

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AnimalCare is a registered society that promotes caregiving to street animals and helps in their neutering and medical needs. AnimalCare has a Medical Fund, Food Fund and Education Fund.

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