Our shih tzus can really be our best friends. Sometimes, we feel like we need a hug and assume that our four-legged friends need one too.
It’s easy to entertain the idea that we all hug our shih tzus once in a while. Do we enjoy this hug much more than our pet?
Did we spend some time during this embrace of love and appreciation to realize if our dog was enjoying the event as much as we were?
Probably not, your shih tzu may have shown a remarkable feat of resistance and may have felt very uncomfortable with the situation. Let’s explore this thought further.
The truth about hugging dogs
In general, most shih tzus don’t really like to be hugged. Many dogs immediately signal that you’re crossing a boundary they’re not willing to participate in.
Others will tolerate the moment. Obviously, it should be said that others truly appreciate this intimate hug with their best friend.
It’s important to keep in mind that just because your shih tzu doesn’t accept an affectionate hug, it doesn’t mean they love you any less. Dogs, like humans, are wired differently.
Shih tzus don’t hug each other as a demonstration of affection. They communicate through smell and body language.
If a SHIH TZU puts one or two legs over the shoulder of another dog, they’re more likely trying to display control or superiority.
So, how do dogs interpret our loving hugs? Do they think we’re showing our dominance, assertiveness, or control?
Your hug might actually seem threatening to an animal that doesn’t want to be dominated by anyone. So, how do you know if your dog likes a hug or not?
Know your shih tzu
Always be attentive to your shih tzu’s body language as it can teach you many things. If you’re unsure about your pet’s reaction, have someone take a picture of the event and study it closely.
It’s not always easy to identify anxiety or fear in our dog. In reality, you can detect these traits through ear positioning, eyes, tongues, and lips.
When you hug your dog, observe their body language. If they pull away, with their mouth closed, they’re likely not comfortable.
If, on the other hand, they lean into you with an open and panting mouth, they’re likely okay with the hug.