Why You Shouldn't Pet a Dog on the Head: Worth Finding Out

19.05.2023 15:56

Not every dog likes such a friendly action from a person as stroking the head.

We invite you to figure out what the matter is.

From a human point of view, a hand placed on the head is a sign of love and attention. But dogs, as well as wolves, foxes, coyotes, jackals and others, believe that a paw on the head of another individual is a sign of dominance, power and aggression.

It is enough to remember that during a conflict, the winner can press the head of the losing opponent to the ground with his paw.

In canine language this can be translated as “You lost”, “I’m the boss here.

Dog
Photo: © Belnovosti

For this reason alone, stroking and lightly patting the head can cause discomfort to the animal.

However, some dogs are delighted by such actions, accompanied by scratching behind the ear and tugging on the cheek.

To understand whether it is worth resorting to such measures of expression of affection and love, watch the behavior of your pet: you should definitely not stroke the head if the dog pulls its ears back, tucks its tail, licks its nose, freezes, looks tense or growls, showing its teeth.

Author: Elena Shimanovskaya Editor of Internet resources