Even your dog is not saying verbally that he wants or loves the belly rubs-yet they are very good at telling their cravings for belly rubs. They get wiggly and loose, rolling on their back and will give you big smiles. While there are many ways to show your canine love, belly rubs are second to none. I wanna tell you why dogs love belly rubs a lot and how you can give the best belly rubs. Just make your hands shake with me!
Why do dogs like belly rubs?
Until then there is no scientific research on why dogs like belly rubs. Dr. Stanley Coren, who’s a Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of British Columbia and the author of How to Speak Dog, has a belief that belly rubs are just another way of social connection with your lovely pet. “Some dogs feel like the belly rubs are simply another form of being petted and showing affection. It’s like some sort of social connection. As the fur on the dog’s belly is not just softer but also less dense, so the sensation of being touched becomes more noticeable and sensitive”.
Being petted is loved by some dogs so much that they even start preferring touch to the other sort of rewards like a toy or a treat. A research study was conducted to examine the preference of dogs placed in Y shaped maze & watched to know which Y arm they chose. Where one Y arm leads to the food, the other Y arm leads to the owner_waiting for tender petting and praise. Among them, most of the dogs prefer their owner over their food_so here you cannot underestimate the competence of belly rubs and petting.
Do all our dogs love belly rubs?
It is just a myth that all dogs love belly rubs. While belly rubs are a sort of affection, some dogs like other types of love like cuddles and pats, where Belly rubs make some dogs uncomfortable. Dr. Coren says that “belly rubs are not enjoyed by all the breeds of dogs. Especially those who bred to become guard dogs. Belly rubs may be perceived as an aggression sign to those dogs”.
If your dog started rolling on its back, what is he asking for? Do you as a pet owner misinterpreting your dog’s body language cue? Yeah! It is an utmost important thing to understand that when your canine is craving for a belly rub or when he is asking for something else. For instance, a scientific study has examined why dogs roll over their back during play & comes to know that it is a tactical position to dodge a play bite to the neck or to float a playful attack.
What feelings do belly rubs evoke in dogs?
Stanley says I wish we could ask them but we can estimate how it feels to your dog while getting belly rubs, based on our personal observations and experiences. She says, just like a massage gives you a relaxing feel, a belly rub and other stroking can feel relaxing and comforting.
What do you think about the sweet spot that makes your pup kick its legs during the belly rubs? Doing this you’re triggering the nerves patch which sends signals to the brain and spinal cord of your canine which leads to legs kicking response. The reaction is called a scratch reflex, used to protect your pup from menaces like parasites and crawling bugs.
The scratch reflex is not an indication that you pup loves being scratched on that specific spot, however it also doesn’t indicate the discomfort. All you should know is the body language of your canine.
How to give the best belly rub to your dog?
When your canine is rolling on its back with paws in the air, it might be possible they are asking for a belly rub, but how can you give the best belly rub to your four legged partner?
There’s not just one belly rub technique.
Dr.Stanley says that while some dogs love belly rubs, some like to be scratched on the belly and others like a patting motion. A belly scratch which is less enthusiastic is loved by the larger dogs while gentle rubs are loved by smaller dogs.
For the belly scratches, the belly sides are especially very good. “Avoid touching the sensitive nipple area_yes male dogs also have nipples. Don’t just stay in one area and avoid applying so much pressure”. Stanley also says that your dog tells you which spot works the best.
Giving the breaks makes the dog enjoy it more. If they are rolling over their back or moving away from you, just understand that they are fulfilled. However, if they are exposing the belly to you with a paw in your hand or nudging you by nose_rub on, says Stanley.
Conclusion
Although we love our canine, showing affection in some sort of physical touch is such a sweet love language we can do. A soft and gradual safe touch gives your dog a feeling of comfort and relaxation. The less dense and soft fur makes it more loveable for them. So rub and make them smile.
FAQs
What are the signs that my dog doesn’t need a belly rub?
The signs includes:
- A ward off gaze.
- Tucking the tail between legs.
- Closed mouth and tense body posture.
- Flat and back pointed ears.
- Avoiding the touch or moving away.
Can I show affection to my dog in some other ways?
Besides the belly rubs, dogs also enjoy being petted. According to stanley, petting on the chest, under the chin or near the tail base are very good. Note that some dogs don’t like the physical touches so avoid it. Stanlay says that some dogs like to be praised verbally while others like others love food over the touches.
