The way you pet a dog can make you either his favorite person or the human being that he will always be trying to avoid. There are certain caresses that, believe it or not, dogs reject and others that on the contrary adore. You probably know where your dog likes to be petted, but if you try show affection to other dogs, you have to be more careful and know how to do it.
If you would like to pet your own dog or one you just met, here are some strategies to properly pet him.
Ways to stroke your dog properly
Start with a proper greeting
You should never pet a dog that does not initiate contact. This rule is important to adhere to and especially with children, who often approach a dog that is lying down, cornered in a room, or trying to escape. Instead of reaching out and touching the dog directly, invite him to make the first contact by approaching him, without touching it.
Avoid hovering around the dog when you greet him or stare into his eyes; This can be perceived as a threat.
In the case of dogs that appear to be reserved or fearful, do not call out to him, turn your body to the side so that you are less threatening. Pretend to ignore it and look away during the first few minutes, until you discover that he has wagged his tail, which means that he has become confident.
If, on the other hand, you are dealing with a self-confident dog, you can invite him to come up to you, bending your knees slightly or calling him making gestures with your hand.
Pay attention to their body language
A friendly dog will approach with the ears slightly bent back and the tail extended halfway behind him, with a great movement.
When the dog sniffs your body, is collecting information about you, not necessarily inviting you to pet it. If he retreats or acts suspicious or nervous, don't pet him. If he exhibits a loose body posture, with relaxed eyes and mouth as he moves toward you or begins brief eye contact, this is most likely indicating sympathy and a desire for interaction.
Once the approach is made, slowly pet the dog in areas where it feels comfortable to be touched And it is that a dog that enjoys being caressed, will generally lean or actively seek contact again to be caressed. If the dog tries to walk away or shows signs of discomfort, such as licking his lips or showing the whites of his eyes, leave him alone; you need your space.
The best places to pet your dog
Most dogs are comfortable being stroked on the chest, shoulders, and base of the neck, so when stroking these areas, try to bring your hand closer from the side, rather than moving your hand over the dog's head. Remember, dogs have specific spots where they like to be petted; common areas are the base of the tail, under the chin, or at the back of the neck where the collar hits.
Most dogs do not like to be touched on the top of the head, on the muzzle, ears, legs, paws, and tail, but a gentle massage can calm a dog, they love this.
Place your hand in a place where the dog enjoys being touched and gently move your hand or fingers in the same direction in which the fur is located.
This gentle caress will have a calming and therapeutic effect and not only for him, but also for the person who caresses him, reaping the mutual benefits of shared contact. When you show your affection to a dog in a relaxed, slow, and gentle way, they will likely lean towards you, looking for more.