Ask Amy: Why Does My Dog Hug & Lean?

by Amy Shojai | Dec 11, 2013 | Dog Training & Care | 6 comments

There was a bit of controversy last year over a big pet products brand that promoted “Hug Your Dog Day” and got a lot of flack over it (including from me!). But what if it’s the DOG that does the hugging? What does it mean when your pooch leans against you (some can knock you flat!). Today’s Ask Amy addresses the question.

Does your dog lean on you? How about hugging? Adolescent pooches may want to hug your leg (ahem!) but that’s a subject for another Ask Amy. More dog behavior answers are found in my ComPETability: Dogs book, too, but how do you handle the situation?

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly PUPPY CARE must knows, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter.

6 Comments

Wayne Borean on December 18, 2013 at 11:54 pm

My girls love to lean on me, especially when I’m in bed. A couple of times they’ve nearly pushed me off the bed.

Of course they are Beagles, and Beagles love sleeping in a pile…

Wayne
Reply
- Amy Shojai on December 19, 2013 at 12:05 am
  
  🙂 Ah yes, the old hog-the-bed-spot trick.
  Reply
Jana Rade on December 11, 2013 at 11:32 pm

As for human hugging dog, I think it depends on the dog and the type of hug. Jasmine did like her hugs.
Reply
- Amy Shojai on December 12, 2013 at 7:59 am
  
  Jana I totally agree with you. Dogs can be taught to accept certain kinds of hugs and view them as non-threatening, and even learn to enjoy them. Dogs love to please US, too, so if it pleases their person that can be very rewarding as well!
  Reply
Anna Coffin on December 11, 2013 at 3:23 pm

My dog’s like to stick their nose in between peoples legs. I tell them that’s just their way of hugging!
Reply
- Amy Shojai on December 11, 2013 at 5:36 pm
  
  ROTFL! I love this Anna and it’s sooooo true. But dang, that cold nose really does get folks’ attention.
  Reply

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