My dog hates being patted. He flinches every time, but he loves a good, slow stroke down his back. I think it depends on the dog. Reply
I’ve noticed that my Labrador enjoys being stroked more when he’s relaxed, but if he’s excited, he loves a few pats on the side. Reply
Studies show that dogs generally find stroking more soothing than patting, which can feel too abrupt for them. It mimics the way they groom each other. Reply
Patting is for when you’re hyping them up. Stroking is for when you’re apologizing for leaving them home alone for five hours. Reply
Fast, firm pats can make some dogs anxious because it feels like a sudden impact. Gentle stroking is usually the safer option. Reply
As a dog trainer, I always tell people that slow, gentle strokes help calm an anxious dog, while pats can excite them. Reply
My dog hates being patted. He flinches every time, but he loves a good, slow stroke down his back. I think it depends on the dog.
I’ve noticed that my Labrador enjoys being stroked more when he’s relaxed, but if he’s excited, he loves a few pats on the side.
Studies show that dogs generally find stroking more soothing than patting, which can feel too abrupt for them. It mimics the way they groom each other.
Patting is for when you’re hyping them up. Stroking is for when you’re apologizing for leaving them home alone for five hours.
Fast, firm pats can make some dogs anxious because it feels like a sudden impact. Gentle stroking is usually the safer option.
As a dog trainer, I always tell people that slow, gentle strokes help calm an anxious dog, while pats can excite them.