If you love dogs, you probably cannot help reaching out to pet a cute dog when you see one. But did you know that petting a dog follows its own rules? The spots below are the ones dogs really want you to touch. If you pet them often, your dog will love you more and more.
Behind the Ears and Under the Chin
The area from behind a dog’s ears to under its chin is packed with nerve endings. It is about twice as sensitive as the dog’s back, so touching this area can be very relaxing for your dog.
Wild canids lick this area to show submission and trust. When you pet this spot, you are sending your dog a friendly signal: “I am not a threat to you.”
The right way to do it is to use your fingertips to make gentle circular presses, not to scratch hard.
If you can spend more than five minutes a day petting this area, it can greatly increase your dog’s comfort. This is especially true for a dog you have just adopted. Petting this area may help you close the distance between you quickly.
The Chest and Both Sides of the Ribs
Place your palm on your dog’s chest and slide it gently along both sides of the ribs. You will notice your dog pushing its chest forward, looking very much like it is enjoying it.
This reaction may come from a dog’s natural instincts. In the wild, mother dogs nudge or lick these areas on their puppies to help them breathe and digest. Adult dogs also gently touch the chest and sides of the ribs to show closeness.
Keep in mind that the skin on both sides of a dog’s ribs is thin and rich in blood vessels. Do not press too hard. Be gentle.
The Base of the Tail and the Area Above the Hips
Many people are afraid to touch the base of a dog’s tail because this area is so sensitive.
But as long as you know the dog well enough and do it correctly, petting this area can be a pure source of pleasure for the dog.
This area has a large number of sympathetic nerve endings. Gentle scratching or patting can stimulate the dog’s brain to release dopamine, a neurotransmitter that gives the dog the pleasant feeling of being rewarded.
Research has found that dogs whose tail base is regularly petted respond to commands about 0.5 seconds faster on average than other dogs. This can be seen as a sign of more active interaction with their owner.
However, because this area is sensitive, you need to be even gentler. If the dog is tense, it is still best not to touch this area casually.
How You Pet Matters Even More
Besides knowing the spots your dog most wants you to touch, the right petting method matters a great deal.
First, watch the timing. When a dog is eating, sleeping, or in an unfamiliar environment, it is best not to pet it casually, because this can easily cause a stress response.
The best time to pet is when the dog comes to you on its own, wags its tail, or even rolls over to show its belly. These are clear signals that it wants to be petted.
When you pet, keep it to about 3 to 5 minutes. If you pet for too long, the dog may become bored.
While petting, you can also speak to your dog in a gentle voice. This will help it enjoy the experience even more.
Now you know the spots your dog most wants you to touch. You should also know the correct way to pet it, so your dog can truly feel comfortable.
