But He Loves It!

I hear this a lot.  When someone is hugging their dog.  Kissing their dog.  Laying on their dog.  Repeatedly tapping their nose. Handing them odd foods to eat. Letting them chase their kids around the furniture. Hovering a hand just above their heads out of reach. Usually these things are done in the name of social media, meaning they are capturing these behaviors on their phones and sharing with their friends/followers. But this is a slippery slope and the truth of the matter is this: Your dog may put up with these things, they may let you do them, but no, they don't love them at all.

After more than 30,000 years together, dogs have learned just what it takes to keep the humans happy.  They make sure we get our daily exercise, keep watch over our homes, and make us feel safe and loved.  They seem to understand that their purpose is to help us, even if that means watching us use the bathroom.  It's a symbiotic relationship, meaning a relationship that benefits both parties. We house them, feed them, and (hopefully) provide them with appropriate and sufficient enrichment and stimulation, both mental and physical.  For most dogs, their favorite form of human affection involves receiving a treat, a toy, or a walk.  Hugs, kisses, nose boops, and eating frozen lettuce are not on their short list. 

I realize that there are dogs who submit to all of these things somewhat willingly, but do I think they enjoy them?  No, not really.  I think they've learned to allow their humans to do these things simply because they know it makes the humans happy and keeps the humans engaged.  And if the human is happy, they'll (eventually) give the dog those things that make them truly happy.  Back to the definition of symbiosis, right?

So, what's my point here?  First of all, please don't put yourself or your children at risk by forcing yourself on a dog who isn't willing to participate in these interactions.  Meaning, if the dog tries to move away, looks away, licks her lips, yawns, etc., then stop right there.  Don't force a dog who is clearly saying "No!" to have to escalate to a snap, growl, or bite to get you to stop.  And if your dog does allow these interactions without any indication of stress or anxiety, then reward them for their participation in an activity that is clearly for the benefit of the humans.  Go ahead, give them a treat, a bone, or that bully stick they love.  They earned it.

Our dogs bring us great joy and I love seeing my friends and clients sharing their photos of their dogs, well, just being dogs.  And, sure, I enjoy a picture of a dog wearing a cape or a hat, just as long as that dog doesn't hate wearing those things.  As, once again, it isn't like dogs evolved to wear clothing per se. With Halloween right around the corner, I felt like I needed to say that as well.  Costumes for dogs shouldn't be a thing unless, once again, the dog doesn't mind it.  If your dog tries to escape when you're putting it on, refuses to move, or is scratching and shaking to get it off, then it's time to find another way to celebrate Halloween with your dog.  I have a pumpkin cookie recipe that I'm happy to share.

Anyway, maybe I'm just a bit cranky this week because it's been so hot.  Or maybe I'm just afraid I'm going to hear one more horror story of someone getting bit while smothering their dog with kisses.  Either way, it felt like it needed saying.  

Stay cool friends.  Share your ice with your dogs.  And, as always, if you have questions about your pet's behavior, you know where to find me. 

Ozzie is usually game for something like this quick, posed picture.  If he'd knocked the glasses off his head, that would have been it.  No pressure.  But, he was willing to amuse me, never offering any signs of stress or anxiety, but he definitely herded me to the treat cupboard after I snapped the photo.  Smart dog.  Symbiosis indeed.