Myth: All Dogs Like Being Petted
MYTH
All dogs like to be petted—even if it’s just from their owner.
This assumption is very common in our western, American culture! The thinking is almost, “It’s a dog! He must like petting!”
TRUTH
Mae brings her toy and leans into the petting—she likes it!
Dogs don’t automatically love to be petted.
Some dogs enjoy it, some dogs are ambivalent, and some really don’t like it.
This is not unlike humans who have a variety of feelings about touch and physical contact with others! Some crave it, some are indifferent and some actually avoid it.
“My dog doesn’t growl or try to bite when I pet him, so he must like it, right?”
It’s not quite that simple because growling and biting aren’t the only ways dogs communicate dislike.
The Consent Test is a super easy way to double-check your non-aggressive dog actually enjoys petting:
Kneel on the floor or sit in a chair/on the sofa
Invite your dog over (in general, it’s better manners to let the dog come to you)
Gently pet for three seconds on his chest or shoulder
Hold both hands in your lap
What does your dog do?
Usually dogs do one of three things when you stop petting:
Move closer/lean in = “More please! That was fantastic. Why did you stop?”
Stand still = “Okay…so…”
Step/walk away = “Whew. Glad that’s over. I’m gonna move over here. Out of reach.”
This video from Dog Charming has some GREAT examples of how to do the Consent Test and interpret your dog’s response.