Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin'

[BG and Gavin]

A recent discussion brought to light something that I did not know:  dogs do not like to be hugged.  People posted examples and videos showing the stress that dog’s display while being hugged.  I suppose I never thought of it before.  I was raised with horses and my dad taught me to always approach from the side (not head on as they can get a better look at you this way) do not move suddenly, work in close to a horse and maintain physical contact when you are out of their sight so they feel where you are as well as sing, whistle softly or talk to give them further information that you are there. 

I began to think about how Gavin approaches me when he wants physical contact.  The most common thing he does is sit up nice and tall with his back to me as close as he can (sometimes sitting on my feet).  I call this his ear scratch invitation.  Another thing he does is rest his chin on some part of my body (lap, hand or even shoulder when in the car).  I call this the chin scratch invitation.  The third thing he does is put his head down and literally bury it in my chest.  I call this the shoulder rub invitation.  I also give him chest rubs, particularly during training.

When we were in puppy K, the trainer said it was important to “own” every part of your dog’s body so that he knows you have the right to touch it whenever you want.  As a puppy, every evening, when Gavin was relaxed and lying on his bed, I would play the “I own this game.”  I would systematically touch him all over, every toe, tug on his ears, curl back his lip, touch his teeth, tongue, nose, belly, you name it… and softly tell him “I own this, and this, and that and this.”  Some of the spots I touched likely annoyed him a bit, but it became almost like a relaxation exercise. 

So, how does your dog ask for affection?  What is the best way to interact physically with your dog?  How did you socialize him to being “handled,” particularly by children?

[BG and Gavin]

Maggie may be less demanding after she is with you a bit longer.  Maybe at the breeders she had to compete for attention with the other dogs.

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

Ohhhhh I thought we were talkin about Journey songs!
Lovin', touchin', squeezin' each other
You're tearin' me apart
Every day, every day
You're tearin' me apart
Oh what can I say?
You're tearin' me apart

Rosey and Bandit don't mind to be smothered at all! I can lay on top of them and give'm good tummy rubs or raspberries! I think they were just born this way cuz I did no training.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

LOL, Suzann! Can we have a video?

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

As soon as DK becomes more iPad friendly, Rosey will be happy to put on a show!

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

@Karen I should have asked do you want a video of the song, the hugs or the raspberries? Lol

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You doing Journey, lol.

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

Ok since I am your #1 fan we will work on all 3 as a composition:)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

LOL, the doodles will provide the percussion, I guess!

[BG and Gavin]

I was waiting for someone to get my reference!  Thanks Suzann.  I was beginning to think maybe I was just too old!  Makes me want to dust off my roller skates for a "couples only" skate.

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

You had me at squeezin! Now you just come down to TX and we will go roller skating and add that to karen's video montage! Lol

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

My dogs both use their paws when they want attention. Vern will jump up beside you and put that big old paw on your shoulder. Fudge just puts her paw out in your direction. I hug my dogs all the time. I actually think Fudge loves hugs, but I could be wrong. Vern does not like you coming over the top of his head, but when he lays his head on my shoulder, I always hug him.

[BG and Gavin]

When Gavin rests his chin on my shoulder I think he is likely just tired of holding his enormous head up!