Can my pup learn to love hugs?

My pup doesn’t like hugs. Does this mean he is indifferent? Can I teach him to give hugs? — Anand

Hi Anand,
Yes, difficult as it may be too believe, pups are not too crazy about hugging or cuddling and merely tolerate it for our sake. However just because your dog might not like your hugs does not mean that she doesn’t love you. Hugs are a primary way for humans to show affection.

Let us take a close look at how dogs greet each other. Some smell the face, others the butt, some wag tails and a few bow. But you will never see any body language that imitates a hug. You may have seen dogs that put a leg or both legs over the shoulders of another. This again in an indication of some form of social status by a dog who is trying to establish his as authority. Whereas some dogs tolerate the hugs and don’t really care or respond to this. In some other cases, a dog may feel threatened by it. The best you can do if he absolutely dislikes hugs is just teach him how to be tolerate the hugs. This is just for you to be able to show your affection. This is no way changes the dogs perspective.

What you need to do is get him used to the act of hugging. To do this begin with baby steps. Associate hugs with his favorite activities like food or play. Sit next to him and rest your hand on his back. Then slowly move the arm around your dog a little bit more. At each step reward him profusely with abundant treats and praises. Gradually clone the act of hugging while continuing to give him treats.

Create as much as positivity around the act as possible. Slowly, he will get used to and tolerate your hugging and cuddling. Be patient, as it takes a lot of training and effect to get your dog to tolerate hugs if he especially dislikes it. If in case, despite all attempts he is not accepting, let him be he. We are asking them to do something that goes against their social instincts as a species. So have patience, give them time, and be understanding.