Rubbing a dog's belly may seem easy. Dogs love to be rubbed on their stomachs, so you may wonder why this easy and fun activity requires further instruction and explanation. Instead of second-guessing your dog's desire to be petted, take some time to understand your dog's body language and learn how to properly rub your dog's tummy.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Understanding Dog Body Language
Step 1. Pay attention to the dog's posture
Before you start rubbing your dog's belly, take a look at his posture. If his body seems free and loose, your dog is relaxed and happy. If his body looks tense, the dog is not in the mood to be petted.
If your dog is sleeping, don't wake him up to rub his tummy
Step 2. Determine if the dog is compliant
Approach your dog. If your dog rolls over when approached, it's likely that the dog is obeying. This behavior may be accompanied by other submissive behavior, such as lip-licking and tail tucking. To the layman, this behavior may seem like an invitation to rub a dog's belly. However, this is not always true.
- If your dog becomes obedient when approached, it may be that your dog is frightened by your presence and doesn't want to be rubbed on his stomach.
- To make your dog feel more comfortable with you, crouch down near your dog. Call your dog and let it come. When called, don't reach out for your dog.
Step 3. Understand why dogs show their stomachs
Dogs may show their belly as an expression of submissive behavior. However, the dog may also show trust and want to play. Dogs don't always show their behavior clearly. If you're in doubt whether your dog is obedient or just wanting to play, ask your vet to help you.
When on his back, the dog is in a prone position. This means that you have a strong bond and the dog allows you to rub his stomach
Part 2 of 2: Rubbing Dog's Stomach
Step 1. Earn the dog's trust
If you and your dog have built trust in each other, you should be able to rub your dog's tummy with ease. However, if you still don't trust each other, there are things you can do to build trust in your dog.
- Be calm when approaching the dog. If your dog is not ready, your calm demeanor will show that you are not a threat and can be trusted.
- Approach the dog from the side instead of from the front as this can be intimidating to the dog. While at the dog's side, kneel down facing the direction the dog is looking at. Do not make eye contact, as direct eye contact can be perceived as a threat.
- When your dog is more comfortable with you near him, sit by his side and gently stroke him. Speak to the dog in a gentle tone to reduce any agitation that may arise when touched.
Step 2. Notice if the dog then rolls over
If your dog doesn't roll over on its own, it's likely that he doesn't want to be rubbed on his stomach. Keep in mind, Never force a dog to lie on his side because the dog will feel restless and disappointed with you. Respect the wishes of a dog who doesn't want to be rubbed on his stomach.
Step 3. Caress the dog on its chest
Before rubbing the dog's stomach, first stroke the dog's chest. If the dog barks, stop your petting. Dogs have made it clear that dogs don't want to be petted.
- Barking is also a sign of aggression. The causes can vary, such as pain or wrong behavior. Your veterinarian can provide various behavioral and medical tests to determine the cause of the aggression.
- If your dog doesn't show any signs of disliking the pet, continue stroking his chest. You can even run your fingers through the dog's fur for a more comfortable feel.
Step 4. Rub the dog's belly
When your dog is comfortable being petted on his chest, move your hand and start rubbing his belly. By now, the dog should feel very relaxed. Make sweeping motions slowly and gently. Talk to the dog in a gentle tone to keep the dog calm.
- The dog may start kicking its hind legs when its belly is rubbed. Contrary to the opinion of the majority, this is not a sign that you have rubbed the dog's ticklish spot. These kicks are actually a response called the scratch reflex.
- This reflex occurs when the nerves that are connected to the spinal cord have been activated under the skin. The dog kicks automatically because his body feels the activation of nerves as an irritant (disruption) on the skin. If your dog starts kicking, stop rubbing the area and move elsewhere.
- If your dog seems to be enjoying your stroke, but then gets up and leaves, it means the dog doesn't want to be petted anymore. This behavior is normal, so there is no need to worry or be disappointed.
- If you feel your dog tense up when he rubs his tummy but relax when you stop, your dog is telling you that now isn't the time to rub his tummy.
