... Read moreYou know, seeing my sweet corgi, who I absolutely adore, give me that 'scared for his life' look during a cuddle really got me thinking. It's funny in a way, but also makes you wonder what's going on in their little doggy brains! I always thought all dogs loved a big hug, but it turns out, it's not always the case, especially for some breeds like corgis.
After seeing his anxious eyes and how uncomfortable he seemed, I started paying more attention to his body language. It's not just about a grimace; there are so many subtle signs our pups give us when they're not feeling a hug. Have you ever noticed your dog yawn excessively when they're not tired, or lick their lips repeatedly? These can be stress signals! Sometimes, they'll turn their head away, stiffen their body, or even show the 'whale eye' – where you can see the whites of their eyes. My corgi definitely does the stiff body thing and tries to look away. It's their way of saying, 'Hey, I'm feeling a bit trapped here!'
So, why do some dogs, including my lovable corgi, seem to dislike cuddles or hugs? Experts often say it goes back to their primal instincts. In the animal world, being restrained or having something over their head can feel threatening. While we mean it as affection, to them, it might feel like a loss of control or even a challenge. Plus, every dog has a unique personality, just like us! Some are naturally more independent, while others are super clingy. Corgis, for instance, are often known for their strong personalities and can be quite particular.
Learning this made me realize I needed to adjust how I show affection. Instead of forcing a cuddle, I started looking for ways he does enjoy affection. For my corgi, a good scratch behind the ears or a gentle belly rub is pure bliss. He also loves playing fetch or going for a walk – those are his love languages! We can still have our bonding moments without me looming over him or trying to squeeze him.
If your dog also gives you that 'uncomfortable with the cuddle' vibe, try these tips:
Observe their body language closely: Learn to recognize subtle signs of stress or discomfort.
Offer consent-based affection: Instead of initiating a hug, invite them over for a pet and see if they lean into it or move away. Let them choose.
Positive Association: If you really want to try for short cuddles, make them super short and immediately follow with a high-value treat. This can help build a positive association.
Find alternative affection: What does your dog love? Playtime, training sessions, walks, or specific types of petting? Focus on those.
Respect their boundaries: The most important thing is to respect your dog's comfort level. A happy dog is a loved dog, even if they show it differently!
It's been a journey understanding my corgi's preferences, but it's made our bond even stronger. I'd love to hear if your dogs have similar quirks around cuddles!