Do Dogs Like Being Hugged?

Dog behavior experts agree that, in general, dogs don’t like to be hugged. However, every dog has a unique personality. Some dogs may dislike hugging more than others, while some may actually enjoy hugging.

The closest thing our furry family members have to a hug is what’s called “standing by.”

As primates, we’re hardwired to show affection through hugging. Even chimpanzees do it! But dogs show affection in other ways, as their legs aren’t specifically designed to hug another dog or person. Hugging is indeed a foreign concept to our canine companions. When you open your arms to hug your pup, they may wonder, why would my owner do that? — just like we ask ourselves why dogs sniff each other’s butts when we meet. Although humans and canines have been closely connected throughout evolutionary history, there are still some primal instincts and ways of communicating that we just can’t share — and hugging is one of them.

Reading Your Dog’s Body Language

A good way to tell how your dog will react to a hug is to have someone take a picture of the two of you. If there’s no one around to take a picture of you and your pup, try taking a selfie or looking in the mirror at your dog’s face as you hug. A dog who doesn't like cuddling might keep his mouth closed and have a tense look on his face. They might also hold their ears to their head or try to run away. Unfortunately, what we think of as a loving hug might look more like the moves of a pro wrestling match to them.

A relaxed dog might pant calmly, with his mouth and tongue looking fairly flabby. If your dog enjoys your cuddles, they might also lean in toward you or lick your face.

Here are some dog behaviors that can show they enjoy your cuddles, or that they're just generally happy:

Wags with the whole body

There are many reasons why dogs wag their tails. It can convey fear, nervousness, and happiness, among a host of other emotions. When dogs are really happy, they tend to wag their tails with their entire rear end. You might notice your dog wags their tail in this way when you greet them at the door.

If your pup wags his tail in a relaxed, relaxed manner, it's a good indicator that they're calm and enjoying the moment.

Puts his paws on you

Does your dog put his paws on your arms or knees when you're hugging or scratching them? This could be their way of saying, "I love the attention, keep it up!"

Paws aren't just for digging in the yard; they're also a dog's primary communication tool. If your puppy comes up to you and paws to get your attention when you're sitting or distracted by something, they could be saying they want water, are hungry, or just want a cuddle.

Teach Your Dog to Tolerate Cuddles

Our furry family members love to learn, especially when rewards are involved, so use positive reinforcement to teach them that cuddles are good and not threatening. Teaching a dog to tolerate cuddles can be useful in situations where you may need to hold them still. Additionally, if you have small children at home, getting your dog used to having your arms around them can help, too.