"There are some dogs - don't get me wrong - that love a good butt scratch or when you first come home or they haven't seen you in a while, because they're so excited to see you, that may mask how they really feel about it... but when you really watch a dog's body language when they're hanging out and doing their own thing, most of them are just tolerating [being petted] at best."
"This is where we have a little bit of a culture clash - human culture and dog culture. We have dogs... we love them... and I would say if they're tolerating it, and as long as they're not aggressing or it's [not] making them very anxious - tail tucked, ears back - if they're tolerating it, it's a little bit like hugging your kid, especially as they become more a teenager, you know?"
Some dogs seem to enjoy brief, excited greetings but that excitement can mask discomfort. When relaxed, many dogs merely tolerate petting rather than actively enjoy it. Frustration can lead dogs to growl or signal that they want space. Obvious distress signs include tail tucked, ears back, and anxious behavior; aggression can also occur. Human cultural habits of hugging and kissing pets can conflict with canine preferences. Gentle petting is acceptable when dogs clearly tolerate it. Owners should monitor body language and cease physical affection if the dog shows discomfort or stress.
Read at BuzzFeed
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