One of the "commands" we've taught our 2 dogs is giving hugs - we kneel, say "hugs" and they jump up, put their paws on our shoulders, and we give a big bear hug.
I've heard that jumping up on people is a doggie sign of dominance, so I'm wondering if by teaching them to jump up we are telling our dogs that they are dominant over us. Have we started a bad habit, or are hugs okay when we ask for them?
2007-02-27 15:03:05 · 7 answers · asked by eileezy2002 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
It is a sign of dominance over dogs but it is not showing your dogs that they're the dominant ones, especially if you are the one initiating it (don't let your dog do that on his own without your ok). A dog putting his paw up on another dog's back is a sign of dominance, however, a dog putting his paw on your thigh is a sign s/he wants something. Simply because your head is so much higher up than his and you control the food supply, you will be dominant by default. Hugs are good. Keep them up ; )
2007-02-27 15:10:21 · answer #1 · answered by Jello 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unless they do it unasked for, you should be fine. You are the one telling the dog what is acceptable.
In dog packs (and wolf packs) you often see a turn around of standing over behavior. In play, a less dominate dog will stand over a more dominate dog. Sometimes the more dominate dog will roll over for the less dominate dog. But they know when the play is done, nothing has changed as far as dominance goes. The same thing goes for your dogs. They can be asked to stand up like that and still know you are the dominate "dog" in their pack.
2007-02-28 02:39:56 · answer #2 · answered by SabrinaD 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as they only do it on command, then it is not a dominance thing. You are in control of the situation. If they begin doing it when not commanded, then you have a problem.
I think doggy hugs are great.
2007-02-27 15:11:39 · answer #3 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can hug your dogs but don't have them jump up on you. I sit on the floor with my border collie and give her lots of hugs. But I am in command of the situation, not her.Dogs should know that you are the Dominant one not them.
2007-02-27 15:11:51 · answer #4 · answered by Angell 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think its okay, because you've trained them to this.
I've always thought that it was a sign of happiness, cuz my previous dog always jumped up and licks faces to greet someone they know and runs away from some strangers.
Go figure!
2007-02-27 15:10:01 · answer #5 · answered by 2Bad4U 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
domanance, lol. you taught him to give you a hug. if he was being dominant why the hell would he even listen. I say you taught him well and... can you come train my dog??
2007-02-27 15:20:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it extremely is so humorous that grow to be the 1st ingredient I nonetheless approximately doggie kiss ( type)....LOL anybody had their minds interior the gutter I quite have doggie kisses...My candy canines consistently happy to be certain me
2016-11-26 19:53:00 · answer #7 · answered by nanhey 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋