Did you know that dogs cuddling and petting your dog enriches their lives?
Dogs cuddle with people and thus have increased levels of oxytocin (happy hormone!) released and therefore creates relaxation, trust, and reduces their stress responses, like anxiety.
Dogs cuddling also makes you more in tune with your pet physically which means you can notice if something is wrong sooner.
But, before you cuddle with a dog, there are a couple of ground rules:
Let your dog decide if they want to cuddle with you- and when they want to leave
Avoid petting them when they are doing something you don't like
Allow them space when they are are eating or playing on their own
The most important thing is to stay in tune with how your dog is perceiving the petting, playing, and cuddling. Sometimes, dog's don't love cuddling- and you may even wonder "do dogs like to cuddle?"
If they are giving you signs that they are wanting to move away, or, conversely, if they are showing you where they'd like to be pet... go with it!
