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If you’re with your golden retriever, you’re most likely petting him right now.
Generally, golden retrievers –and some other breeds–can’t get sufficient petting. They’re extremely tactile as well as like the attention.
Some like petting even more than treats or verbal praise.
Note from Colby: My Golden, Raven actually has her head on my lap trying to solicit me to pet her while I write.
Some typical reasons Goldens always wish To Be Petted
Your golden goes over to you with huge puppy-dog eyes pleading “pet me!”
He may likewise nudge your hand to be remove what he desires. Or he may even put his head on your lap as you’re sitting, watching TV.
You can almost hear him pleading “PET ME!”
There are really some reasons why your dog does this. as well as he’s most likely not conscious of why he has such a yearning to be petted.
1. He enjoys it! It feels good!
Sometimes the answer’s as simple as that.
Just as we may enjoy a massage, he may enjoy being petted.
2. It furthers the bond with us
Of program our pups don’t consciously recognize there are scientific benefits to petting that benefit our dogs in addition to us.
Petting boosts the level of oxytocin in us as well as our canine companions. This hormone is accountable for the mother-baby connection.
It’s a “feel good” hormone that assists us trust as well as be kind to others.
3. Petting demonstrates affection
Petting our dog usually shows them exactly how much we care for them. They can likewise show their affection to us by their body language while being petted.
If they have relaxed body language as well as a “happy mouth” in which their tongue hangs out, they most likely enjoy the contact.
Some goldens even rub against us when we pet them. as well as their tail frequently happily wags in a relaxed, loose, not stiff, motion.
4. Petting may lead to subsequent rewards
Sometimes we pet our dogs as well as provide them other benefits after we stop.
A reward may be a treat, a toy, a game, or even praise.
So, according to our dog, it’s a two-fer: getting petted as well as one more reward. It provides even more motivation to be petted.
5. They may want to be petted since of their anxiety
They may pace, whine, as well as have a tense body.
Since being petted may feel fantastic as well as even lessen stress as well as anxiety, they may solicit as well as accept petting.
There’s even a type of doggie massage called the Tellington Touch which, if done correctly, can decrease a dog’s stress.
6. Petting serves as a kind of “social glue” that keeps the pack together
It can be similar to grooming behaviors among many primates.
7. Petting can provide health and wellness benefits
It’s been established that petting can lower our blood pressure in addition to our dog’s.
8. Petting can be a reward for the golden
Because many goldens like being petted, it can be a reward for other behaviors he performs.
For example, if he comes when called, part of his reward can be petting him.
In fact, research study shows that dogs prefer petting over verbal praise.
My golden Brandi liked verbal praise. however being petted was the ultimate reward to her.
9. The dog may be seeking attention
You’re hectic at your computer. Suddenly, you feel a dog next to you looking up with pleading eyes that state “pet me.”
Your dog wants your attention.
How Can I tell if My dog Doesn’t like Petting?
Some dogs don’t love–or even like–being petted. Or they may not like being petted on specific areas, like the top of their head.
Or they may not like the method the petting is being done.
When your dog doesn’t enjoy petting, he’ll most likely show you. He may:
Duck his head
Move away
Look away
Leave
Yawn
Lick his lips
Show a “whale eye” when the whites of his eyes show
Have tense body language
Drool
Demonstrate any type of type of aggression (growling, snapping, baring teeth)
If your dog demonstrates that he doesn’t like to be petted, I wouldn’t firmly insist on it.
Of course, dogs should accept fundamental handling, since we have to touch them in different ways.
You may have to put on or take off his leash or collar, groom him, or otherwise handle him.
And I’ve discovered in training many dogs throughout the years that the majority–especially goldens–enjoy being petted.
Of course, there may be an exception when a dog hasn’t been handled from puppyhood. as well as some dogs who’ve been abused won’t enjoy being petted.
Also, the handling as well as petting must not be as well rough or a dog most likely won’t enjoy it.
Of course, if your dog demonstrates any type of aggressive behavior, it’s advisable to get the expert assist of a behaviorist or a positive reinforcement dog fitness instructor with experience as well as success with such habits issues.
It’s likewise important to acquire such expert assist if your dog truly doesn’tnullnull