If you love dogs, you’ve likely given your puppy or dog a hug. Maybe just as they’ve leapt into your arms, or you wrap your arms around them as they snuggle up to you on the sofa. As humans, we naturally hug those we love; it is a comforting way of showing affection. But do dogs like hugs?
Dogs have a completely different language from us. Do they understand hugs in the same way that we do? Do they perceive a hug as affectionate, and do they enjoy it? How do we know if dogs like hugs and kisses? We look at this below.
As humans, we give hugs as an expression of affection and love for another, but how do dogs interpret this gesture? Do they see it as an affectionate action by their owners or as a sign of dominance or restriction?
Dogs generally like to have side-by-side contact, a gentle leaning on someone, or sharing space. If you have a dog, you might have experienced your dog sitting next to you and leaning on you or placing their paw on you with a loving look. You will know that this is affection from your dog, that this comes from their affection and trust for us.
If someone throws their arms around a dog, especially from above or behind, then the dog can feel trapped or uncomfortable. It can make the dog feel vulnerable. This is especially the case if a dog hasn’t been socialized with lots of other people or has gotten used to the actions of different people.
So do dogs like hugs? The answer to this question is that it varies from dog to dog. Many dogs learn to associate hugs with praise, petting, or treats, and with the trust and affection of their owner. However, many dogs don’t like hugs and may lick their lips, yawn, or show the whites of their eyes, which are signs of stress.
So we should be mindful of reading our dogs' behaviour and other people’s dogs as well, so we can discern whether they are enjoying the action or not. It’s like humans! Not every human likes hugs and kisses, so it is not surprising that dogs also have varied responses to hugs, and also depending on the person giving the hug.
Many dogs like to cuddle with their human owners and sometimes even other dogs in the family and other pets. But they do need to have trust and feel relaxed to enjoy an affectionate hug or cuddle. In dogs, a cuddle tends to be more of a lean or placing their head or part of their body on another person or animal.
Our dogs communicate with us all the time; we instinctively know what they are trying to say a lot of the time, but we do need to listen to them and be aware of when our dog is getting stressed or anxious. Here are some designs that can indicate that your dog is not comfortable with hugs or another situation:
If you notice any of these signs, stop hugging your dog and try a different way to bond. Perhaps just sit close to your dog or let them lean on you. Try to find a way to share an affectionate, loving moment with your dog that is comfortable for both of you. This will help relieve any anxiety in your dog.
Some breeds are also naturally more affectionate and clingy, such as:
Some breeds are less likely to enjoy hugs, such as:
It can vary from dog to dog, but many dogs that don’t like hugs will still be able to enjoy being near their humans, but just prefer to keep their distance. If your dog doesn’t appreciate hugs, that is ok. You can look for other ways to connect with your dog and build trust between you.
Here are some ways to enjoy spending time with your dog or puppy and to build trust and affection between you:
Dogs love being itched or scratched! This might seem strange to us, but it’s something dogs love!
Most dogs love going for a walk; it's a great way for your dog to explore, burn off energy, and get plenty of physical and mental enrichment. This is a great time to work on positive reinforcement training and strengthen your bond. Positive reinforcement can look like treats, a happy voice, or belly rubs to encourage good behaviour.
If you have recently purchased a new puppy, perhaps from the Puppy Hero marketplace, then it is a good idea to build trust with your puppy over time. A well-socialized puppy will grow up to be a well-adjusted and well-behaved adult dog. Making hugs and spending time together is part of your daily schedule so you can grow together in love, trust, and affection.
So if you’re wondering, do dogs like hugs? Then the answer is maybe. Some dogs like hugs, some don’t, and a hug to a dog might look like leaning on their owner or putting their head or paw on you. Dogs enjoy being stroked and belly rubs.
They also love spending time with their family, playing fun games, going for walks, and just spending time together. If you watch your dog's body language, make sure they’re comfortable and continue to work together to grow a trusting bond between you.
20 August, 2025