Shih Tzus can truly be our best friends. Sometimes, when we feel the need for a hug, we assume that our four-legged friends feel the same way. It seems natural to think that we can hug our Shih Tzu from time to time, but do they enjoy it as much as we do?
When we embrace our dogs with love and affection, we might not stop to notice if they are as happy about it as we are. The truth is, your Shih Tzu might have shown great patience and even discomfort during that hug. Let’s take a closer look at this idea.
The Truth About Hugging Dogs
Generally, most Shih Tzus don’t really enjoy being hugged. Many dogs will let you know right away that you’ve crossed a boundary they don’t want to share. Others might tolerate the moment, but they don’t necessarily enjoy it. Of course, there are exceptions. Some dogs genuinely love these close, intimate moments with their owners.
However, just because your Shih Tzu doesn’t like hugs doesn’t mean they love you any less. Dogs, like humans, have different personalities and ways of expressing affection. Unlike humans, Shih Tzus don’t naturally hug to show love. Instead, they communicate through smell and body language.
When a Shih Tzu places a paw or two on another dog’s shoulder, it’s more likely that they are showing dominance or trying to assert control. So, how do dogs perceive our loving hugs? They may see it as us trying to be dominant, assertive, or even controlling.
For a dog that doesn’t want to be controlled or dominated, your hug might feel threatening. This is why it’s important to understand whether your dog enjoys being hugged or not.
Understanding Your Shih Tzu
Pay close attention to your Shih Tzu’s body language. It can tell you a lot about how they feel. If you’re not sure about your pet’s reaction to a hug, ask someone to take a picture while you’re hugging them. By studying the photo, you can better understand your dog’s emotions.
It’s not always easy to recognize signs of anxiety or fear in your dog. However, you can often detect these feelings by observing the position of their ears, eyes, tongue, and lips. When you hug your dog, watch their body closely. If they move away or keep their mouth tightly closed, they’re probably not comfortable with the hug.
On the other hand, if your dog leans into you with an open mouth and panting, it’s a sign they’re okay with the hug and are probably enjoying the moment.