Have you ever thought about HOW and WHERE your dog likes being stroked?
Between all my dogs, not one of them likes being stroked in the same way, or same place.
Always check in with your dog to see if they are enjoying where you are stroking and the pressure you are applying.
Some common signs of anxiety are them licking their lips out of character, looking away/diverting eye contact, flinching, and then of course- them moving away.
Marlowe our newest rescue loves very firm, fur moving strokes from me, but strangers (or people he is less familiar with) need to be very gentle and he is usually much more comfortable being touched on his back or hind area, rather than his vulnerable neck like I am in the video.
If you are unsure if your dog, or another dog is enjoying being touched by you, stop stroking and slowly count backwards 5,4,3,2,1. If the dog comes back in for strokes, brushes against your hand, or gives you a confused stare, it is most likely enjoying the experience. If they move away, do a big shake afterwards or avert eye contact- it’s time for a little pause. Give your dog some treats, or something fun to do and wait for them to come back to you for attention.
Just like humans, every dog is individual and likes and dislikes being touched in different areas, with different amounts of pressure. Always start off gently with a new dog and take all your cues from them.
Be mindful that this preference can also change from day to day.
After all, wouldn’t life be so boring if hand massages were the only option? Sometimes we like a deep tissue massage, other times reflexology, and some times- just a feather light touch.
Our dogs are exactly the same