I'm trying to make my dog less anxious and perhaps bond physically with him, but I'm not going to lick his face (or anywhere else, for that matter). I was curious if the action of petting is supposed to simulate licking (grooming).
2007-05-14 08:12:15 · 8 answers · asked by Meredith L 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Just pet them - obviously they're going to know that you aren't their mother. One suggestion I've heard to help them sleep is to put a clock under a blanket...this is suppose to simulate their mother's beating heart. Another suggestion is perhaps to get a blanket with the mother's smell on it.
2007-05-14 08:16:49 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well first off get one of those old alarm clocks with a loud ticking sound and it will really help the pup sleep. Also when you pick up the pup wrap him in a blanket and when you pet the pooch stay away from getting close to his private parts even though they are animals being touched there does make them uncomfortable. A puppy will love to have the inside of his ears rubbed gently and also scratched behind the ears. A good habit to get the pup used to is make sure you spend some time putting your hands in his face playing gently by kinda prettend slapping his cheeks that way he will get used to having hands in his face and will recognize hands comming at him as playing and not as a slap .that way if ever kids come around and waving their arms and hands in the air the dog won't go on the defense and bite them..I have allways had dogs i have two big black lab husky sheppard mixed dogs now and i allways raise them the same way i just told you ..they have never even come close to bitting anyone and they are very loving and playfull but still good guard dogs when i'm not home..just show the dog alot of love and he will return the love for a long time to come..and one last thing when you talk to your dog allways try to get down to his face level and try not to talk down to a pooch it makes them feel uncomfortable and they don't like that..there is no such thing as a bad dog just bad dog owners..good luck
2007-05-14 08:30:35 · answer #2 · answered by rcbrokebones 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would dampen a washcloth and wipe his face with it. Rubbing his tummy will also help. Sometimes anxious dogs are confused about who is the alpha and what they are supposed to do. So be sure to be the leader of the pack. I do think petting is simulation licking and is great for the emotional health of your dog. (As well as yours).
2007-05-14 08:21:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually licking is more of a practical matter for mother dogs, but as puppies know it is a sign their mother is there, and so come to see it as what we would call 'affection'.
I think dogs see our stroking them as a the equivalent of licking. Any form of gentle contact will be viewed as friendly by them.
Chalice
2007-05-14 08:19:40 · answer #4 · answered by Chalice 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hold him close to your heart so he can feel it beating. Also, if it does not bother you, let him lick you. Even if you are not licking back, the bond will still be created.
2007-05-14 08:21:26 · answer #5 · answered by arual22 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
pet him let him sleep with you play with him. if hes small carry him around with you when your going about the house or just hold him.
2007-05-14 08:16:14 · answer #6 · answered by The Vet Tech 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're exactly correct. That's why they love to be petted, (stroked).
2007-05-14 09:58:44 · answer #7 · answered by K 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hmm try giving him a shirt with your scent on it to sleep in ^_^
2007-05-14 08:24:31 · answer #8 · answered by melty c 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋