Dogs. Our furry best friends. They bring us great joy and great comfort. There’s a reason they have a special place in our homes and our hearts.
That reason is the love and affection that they emanate. It warms the soul and, brings a unique sense of comfort even on our darkest of days.
Have you ever wondered why our four-legged friends, our lovely dogs, like to be pet and cuddled?
There is something pure in the act of petting a dog. There is almost always a reciprocity in the closeness, and sometimes the dogs even seek it out.
They seem to crave the attention and closeness as much as we love to give it. So, why do dogs really like to be pet? Does it make them feel as good as us?
Or, is it all a cute and convincing charade? And, is it a desire that carries across every breed of dog?
The Short Answer
Because it makes them feel good.
The Long Answer
Dogs love to be pet because, it makes them feel as good as we feel while we are petting them.
Dogs by nature are very in sync with their humans. Our dogs know when we are in a good mood and they know when we are having a bad day.
They are emotionally attune to their humans and their surroundings. They feel immense joy and, of couse they can feel sadness too.
We live in such close quarters with one another that it stands to reason that our moods can be intertwined. You will have experienced the paw on your knee if you’re ever sad or stressed.
They are reaching out to you. That’s it, seems simple.
When we pet our dogs, there is no denying the comfort that brings. Many people seek emotional comfort in their pets. Our dogs can pick up on this good feeling and thrive off of it.
They love to please us. Just like we pick up on their happiness when we walk back through the door after being apart from them.
For many dogs, their humans are their entire world. All their life, they will live in the shadow and expectation of your love and affection.
You may have noticed that your dog seeks you out when they need attention. This is because they want to feel good and they want you to feel good too.
It’s a win, win situation and a pretty great arrangement.
The Science Behind The Pet
It is a well-known fact that most dogs love being called a good boy or a good girl. It lights up their magic tails and makes them wag, wag, wag.
It is a natural response to the intonation in our voices. The praise, the nurture and the connection that we have them is irreplaceable.
Did you know that the physical affection resonates more with them than the verbal praise?
The act of putting your hand on your pet in a loving, caring manner will set off their happy hormones and put them in the best mood ever. The best part? It’s a timeless act.
Every time you pet them, they will feel that joy over and over. What are you waiting for? Go and pet your dog.
For dogs, the simple act of being pet can nurture the attachment and the bond that you have with each other. As we said above, they know when you are stressed and that in turn makes them stressed.
Studies have shown that petting a dog relaxes the brain and can actually lower blood pressure and stress levels significantly.
Of course, they will pick up on this and want more of that feeling. Why wouldn’t they?
The Dog Breeds That Like To Be Pet The Most
Golden Retriever & Labrador Retriever
This dog is well-known for their love of pets and cuddles. They live for that physical contact with their humans. Despite their large size when fully grown, this doesn’t deter them in the slightest.
They will quite happily climb and contort onto your lap so that you can give your pets and cuddles up close and personal.
Bichon Frise
If the larger size of the golden retriever is off-putting and, let’s not mention the fur shedding, the Bichon Frise is a smaller breed.
Though they may be small, they are a close second to the retriever for how affectionate they are. They love pets and often seek out your physical attention.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Spaniels in general are a very affectionate breed. The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is one of the most affectionate of them all. They are medium sized, big bundles of love.
The Dog Breeds That Would Rather Be Left Alone
Afghan Hound
Majestic and beautiful, the afghan hound does not want your pets. If you are looking for an emotional support friend, steer clear of this breed.
They like personal space, are very independent and don’t take overly kindly to being around other dogs.
Chow Chow
A fluffy beauty, the chow chow won’t seek you out for cuddles. They are mischievous and like to know who is in charge.
Husky
Huskys are renowned for their independence and tendency to wander. They will not cuddle up with you on a night.
Instead, they prefer the company of other dogs, preferably their own breed. Huskys are well known for straying.
Final Thoughts
So, why do dogs like to be pet? The answer seems to come down to, because we like to pet them. Dogs love their humans, and humans love their dogs.
They become a part of the family and certainly take up a space in our heart. We also take up a space in theirs. They release the feel good chemical in our brain and they know it.
There is no greater remedy to a bad day than sitting down with your best, furry friend and feeling their fluff beside you. It is a mutually beneficial act of affection and happiness.
