Dog Gone Fun! Dog Training

Last April, Dr. Stanley Coren published an informal study where he concluded that most dogs do not like to be hugged.  There was a lot of hoop-la in the media about this and a lot of debate ensued.  Then, I was asked in class the other day: Are YOU pro or con hugging dogs?

My response was: “It depends…”

I hug my dog, but only when the moment feel’s “right”. I do not let strangers hug my dog.   I never hug dogs I don’t know, and I am careful to watch a dog’s body language that I am approaching and always back off if she wants her space.  Patricia McConnell in her book “The Other End of the Leash” talks about how hugging is a human/chimp behavior and not a canid behavior (they don’t have arms either…)

If you are wanting to hug a dog, look for these common signs of stress that may indicate he does NOT like what you are doing. Here is a short list:

• looking away
• half moon eyes
• ears lowered or back against head
• yawning
• lifting paw

Learn more:

Stanley Coren: The Data Says Don’t Hug The Dog 

Marc Bekoff: Hugging a Dog is Just Fine

NPR’s weekend edition: Let’s Not Hug It Out With Our Dogs

Patricia McConnell: Hugs Revisited

Learn to speak dog:  YouTube Video by Kikopup: How to Communicate with Your Dog In His Own Language

How to Communicate with Your Dog:  YouTube Video: Zoom Room Guide to Dog Body Language

I’m taking an informal survey…does you dog like to be hugged? Come over to my Facebook Page and join the conversation. And if you live near Ashland, Oregon and want to clear up some behavioral quirks your dog has, like barking too much when someone comes in the house or is afraid of thunderstorms, why not book a Private lesson that is effective and easy on your dog and your whole household.