Dogs are the best. Dog lovers know that. But did you also know that they have specific preferences when it comes to where they like to be petted? In fact, what works for one dog doesn’t necessarily apply to the next – and this leads many people to ask “where do dogs like to be pet?”
That’s why we’ve gathered here today. To uncover the top spots on Spot. In this article, we’ll look at the top 5 spots on a dog’s body that they love to be petted the most
But first things first – let’s settle an age-old debate.
Is it pet or petted?
OK, I realize this isn’t English class, but I can’t help myself from sharing this tidbit.
Pet, in the context of stroking or caressing your dog, is present tense. Any time you are using the word “pet” in past tense, you would technically say “petted.”
I’m no Merriam-Webster, but “petted” looks and sounds funny. Yet, you’ll see it throughout our site. This has been a Furrly public service announcement, now back to your regularly scheduled programming.
Time to dig into where your dog likes to be pet (petted.)
The top 5 spots where dogs like to be petted
We interviewed every dog we could find, and asked them to weigh in on where they like to be petted.
As you guessed, we didn’t conduct a proper survey with our dogs, but we did comb the web to pull this list together. And I did observe my own dog and spoke with a few other dog owners to create this list.
Without further ado… here are the top 5 spots your dog likes to be petted – in no particular order.
1. Most dogs love to be petted on the head
I don’t blame them, it feels great. But there’s more to it than just the sensation of feeling good.
Why do so many dogs like to be pet on the head?
Aside from feeling good and turning on the oxytocin, petting the head can also be a bonding element.
In the wild, dominant wolves will place their heads on subordinate ones to show dominance. When you scratch your dog’s head, you are reinforcing your position as the pack leader.
What is the best way to pet your dog behind the ears?
A dog’s head is covered with nerve endings, which makes it feel great when we pet them there, but it also means we have to be cautious when doing so.
The best way to pet the head of your dog is to use a light touch and move your hand in the direction of the fur growth. Light scratches are fine too.
Signs your dog likes to be pet on the head?
One clear sign that your dog loves being pet on the head is that they may close their eyes or tilt their head back in enjoyment. Sort of an “ahhhhh” zen moment.
2. Just about every dog loves a good ear rub
Show me a dog and I’ll show you the quickest way to make them happy – and that’s going to start with an ear rub. It’s like kryptonite to stress for most dogs.
Why do most dogs like to be pet behind the ear?
Picture your dog’s ears. They are most likely proportionally large, at least by human standards. Dogs have some of the best hearing of any animal. This is because they have a high concentration of nerve endings in their ears, which helps them to hear sounds that are far away or that are soft.
These nerve endings also make their ears extra sensitive to touch. So, dogs enjoy an ear rub because it fires off endorphins that make them happy and relaxed.
What is the best way to pet your dog behind the ears?
Use a light touch and move your fingers in a circular motion. You can also lightly scratch your dog’s ear with your nails. It’s a sensitive spot for some dogs, so be sure to use a light touch.
Signs your dog likes to be pet behind the ears?
When dogs enjoy ear rubs, you’ll notice that they start to lean into your hand or move their head toward your hand. You may also see that they close their eyes or tilt their head back in enjoyment.
3. The chest is another favorite spot for dogs to be petted
This is another spot where dogs have a high concentration of nerve endings (are you sensing a theme here?)
Why do dogs like to be pet on the chest?
Dogs love to be petted on the chest because it feels good and also because it’s a way for you to show them affection. Why do dogs like to be petted on the chest?As we mentioned, the chest is a hot spot for nerve endings
What is the best way to pet your dog’s chest?
If your dog is lying down or sitting with their rear on the ground, this is a great time to get to work. Alternate between massage and light scratch. Just be sure not to pet too high on the chest – some dogs don’t like having their neck touched.
Signs your dog likes to be pet on the chest?
If you’re petting your dog’s chest and they start to kick their back legs or move their head around, that’s a good sign that they’re enjoying it. If you’re like Ranger, you’ll start helping me by kicking your back right leg.
4. Petting your dog’s back not only feels good but helps them relax
This is a great spot to focus on if your dog’s behavior is generally anxious or stressed. Skittish dogs enjoy this area most often too.
And a great part about the back is it’s generally the most accessible area for your dog at any given time.
Why do dogs like to be pet on the back?
As we mentioned, the back, specifically along the spine, is a hot spot for nerve endings, which means that your dog gets a lot of pleasure from being petted there.
The surface area of nerve endings along the back is extremely high, and since stroking nerve endings releases endorphins, this is a great way to relax your dog.
What is the best way to pet your dog’s back?
This area has a lot more flexibility. You can use a light touch or a firmer touch, depending on what your dog prefers. You can also use your nails – it ultimately comes down to your dog’s preference.
Be sure to stroke in the direction of their hair – their coats will typically be longest here, so they are the easiest to annoy your dog if you go against the grain.
Signs your dog likes to be pet on the back?
When your dog is enjoying a good back rub, you’ll notice that they start to wiggle around or move their hips from side to side. This is called the ‘happy tail’, and it’s a good sign that your dog is enjoying what you’re doing.
Just be sure to avoid the tail area – or consult your dog first – that’s usually a no-go for most dogs.
5. The belly is hit or miss for petting dogs
It’s a sensitive and unprotected part of the body, and this is part of the reason some dogs love it while others hate it. For the most part, if you have a trusting dog, this will be an area they will enjoy.
Why do dogs like belly rubs?
Unique to the belly, scratching or rubbing here is baked into social behaviors. Grooming is an important social behavior for dogs, and when they groom each other, they often start with the belly.
This means that for some dogs, being petted on the belly is a way of replicating that social behavior. It’s also one of the most vulnerable parts of the body, so it’s a good way to show your dog that you’re not a threat.
What is the best way to rub your dog’s belly?
This is another area where dogs have a lot of nerve endings, so you want to be careful not to overstimulate them. A light touch is usually best, and you want to avoid using your nails if you haven’t gone this path before.
Many dogs love a good belly rub, while others prefer that you avoid this area altogether.
Signs your dog likes to be pet on the belly?
If your dog starts to squirm or move away, that’s a good sign that they’re not enjoying it.
Some dogs will also try to roll over on their backs when you pet them here – this is usually good body language that shows they’re enjoying it.
Final thoughts
And there you have it, everything you need to know about why dogs love belly rubs and head scratches, and how to properly give them one. Just remember, every dog is different and some may not enjoy this type of affection.
Read your dog’s body language; your dog’s reaction should guide the spot you choose.
We’d love to hear from you, the pet parent, on which of the 5 spots your dog loves to be petted the most – drop us a line in the comments.