You settle down in front the TV and your dog immediately lays down on his back next to you. Yes, it’s belly rub time! But have you ever wondered why dogs love belly rubs?
Like humans, touch releases feel-good hormones (endorphins) and bonding hormones (oxytocin) in dogs. Dogs like belly rubs because it makes them feel loved and bonded to their humans. That’s why belly rubs are a great way to build a bond with your pet. They help your dog feel secure, loved, calm, comforted, and happy.
Dogs feel loved and secure when you rub their bellies. If your dog keeps asking for more belly rubs, it’s because they make her feel good.
Yes, belly rubs mean your dog trusts you. Dogs see belly rubs as a form of social bonding. When they roll over on their backs and offer up their bellies, it is not only a sign of submission but also implicit trust.
All dogs do not like belly rubs. If your dog lays down on his back voluntarily and leaves his body loose and relaxed, it means he enjoys belly rubs. Other signs that he wants a belly rub include soft, open eyes, a relaxed mouth and floppy tongue, a relaxed or wagging tail, and light panting or calm silence, which are also signs of a happy, healthy dog.
On the other hand, a tense body, wide eyes, and other signs of stress tell you that belly rubs are not something your pooch enjoys. Over time, you can learn to identify unwelcome signals and behaviors your dog doesn’t like.
Keep in mind that dogs will sometimes lay down on their backs and expose their bellies as a sign of submission. They do it to diffuse tension and show other dogs that they do not pose a threat. In this case, giving the dog a belly rub may actually make her more nervous. Look out for signs such as a tense body, crouching, grimacing, lip licking, wide open eyes, tail tucked in, and soft whining. These signs tell you that your dog is being submissive.
It varies from dog to dog. If your dog lays down on his back with his belly exposed, it’s a clear sign he loves belly rubs. Some dogs, on the other hand, prefer being petted on their chest. The important thing is to experiment and find out what kind of petting your dog enjoys. As you learn to understand your dog’s body language, you’ll find it easier to give him what he needs.
03 December, 2022