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I think patting means flat handed pat-pat-pat on the head, and no, dogs don't really seem to like it. Scratching or rubbing the head is another thing, and unless a dog is undersocialized and scared, I can't think of a dog that doesn't love it.
For hugs, you really need to know dogs a little better. And again, holding a dog close and rubbing them is different from just wrapping your arms around them and giving them a big squeeze. The first, they like, the second, they just tolerate (but if you don't know them well, don't count on them tolerating it!)
Percival is not fond of pats on the head, but a good ear scratch is wunnnerfullll (in his words). All the others love it.
Funny thing that I thought of when I saw the OP's post, I was told once by a so-called expert that you are never to rub a dog's belly because, and I quote, "it'll make 'em mean." LOL LOL Srsly? All my dogs will see you coming and from 5 feet away will assume the belly rubbin' position, and don't you pass them without at least a foot rubbing on the belly, the look you receive for walking away with no rub at all...you know you're in trouble.
Rubbing belly doesnt make them mean.... Exposing belly is sign they are submissive to their pack laeder You! They can IF realy sumissive pee themselves! So with real sumissive dog Dont belly rub Esp on Carpets!
For hugs, you really need to know dogs a little better. And again, holding a dog close and rubbing them is different from just wrapping your arms around them and giving them a big squeeze. The first, they like, the second, they just tolerate (but if you don't know them well, don't count on them tolerating it!)
Very true! You need to learn and respect their boundaries. Both of my guys are from shelters, and are very different in the way they handle affection. The one, from day one you could scoop him up and cuddle/hug him. The other? It's taken a very long time just to get to the point of holding him as he sits next to me. But pick him up? Hug him? No, no, no! Maybe in another few years.
My hound doesn't like it. He doesn't like when you scratch the top of his head either. He tolerates both but that's it. He loves having the sides of his head and his ears rubbed. Well, he loves everything else, really.
It's wise to teach children to pet dogs necks under their chins when they meet them (after they let the dog smell their closed fist, of course). That's much less threatening to dogs. It's important because children especially have the habit of patting dogs on the head.
Sometimes "dog experts" are wrong and don't realize dogs are individuals that have their own characteristics and desires. I find them to be the same as "stock analysts."
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