Research Results
Eighty-one percent of all the photos show dogs showing at least one sign that they are stressed. Just 7.6% of photos featured a dog that was relaxed. Coren was unable to tell what the dogs were feeling in the 10.8% remaining photos. We can only guess that they were not happy.
What makes dogs show stress signs when hugged? In an article for Psychology Today, Coren explained that dogs are cursorial creatures. This means that they were evolved to run quickly. In times of danger or stress, a dog will use his ability to run rather than its fangs as a first line of defence. Have you ever seen your dog try to escape from your arms? Now you know why!
What Could Happen?
You could also make a bad decision by preventing your dog from escaping. Coren says that behaviorists think that immobilizing a dog with a hug will increase its stress level. If the dog’s stress becomes too intense, it may even bite.
We can save hugs for friends and family. Other ways exist to show our furry companions that we care and appreciate them. The professor stated that it is better for the dog if you show your affection by giving them a pat on the head, a kind phrase, or a small treat.
