[Travelinglady]

I am more used to cats. Where and how do dogs like to be petted? I hear they really don't like to be patted on the head. Thanks!

Gentle stroking of the ears is pretty universally liked by dogs. I've heard that firmly patting their chest (unless they're teensy) just below their neck gives them confidence. I've never met a dog that didn't like a rump scratch, either.

I can't always follow this rule, but I've also heard that they don't like to be hugged. It makes them a little nervous. Though I know a few that most definitely do!

[Fresia]

Under their collar, all around their neck is usually is a very welcome scatch since they cannot get under there to well. Chest or belly rub if they'll let you can be good spots too. Sometimes a back scratch up and down is welcomed since they cannot get to that area also.

Rubbing and down the outsides of the back legs towards the hips, which goes too as mentioned, top of their hips and towards their tail for a bum rub, I've only seen turned down if they have arthritis, which can cause more pain than but since they cannot get to this area either that is why it is usually welcomed with open paws and a smile.

[CepheidVariable]

Originally Posted by Travelinglady

I am more used to cats. Where and how do dogs like to be petted? I hear they really don't like to be patted on the head. Thanks!

Dogs are much less fussy than cats. In my experience, most dogs like being pet or rubbed pretty much anywhere just because they like the attention. Just watch their reaction really. They'll shy away or look uncomfortable if it's something that particular dog doesn't like. You should be able to read your dog fairly well just by spending time with them and being observant.

Most of the dogs I've had seemed to like head pats well enough, but not all were keen. One absolutely loved having the top of his head scratched. He'd sit there forever if you'd keep it up.

Originally Posted by Bjørnen

I can't always follow this rule, but I've also heard that they don't like to be hugged. It makes them a little nervous. Though I know a few that most definitely do!

Yeah, in the doggie world, hugging is an aggressive dominance gesture. Similar in their mind to being held down on the floor, or being forced to expose their neck or belly. So their natural response is to be submissive, even fearful. Most will refuse to make eye contact when hugged, at least initially. Humans tend to perceive hugging as supportive or loving. Dogs tend to perceive it as an assertion by the pack leader. However, they can learn differently. So if hugging your dog is important to you, you can teach them over time that it's affection (just one of those weird human quirks ).