How you pet or stroke your pet is really important because it helps build the connection with your dog. Physical touch is a big part of how we connect and communicate with our dogs, and there is more to it than most people realize.
Just like people, every dog has a favorite way to be massaged, petted, or stroked and there is always a way that your dog may hate so you have to avoid it.
So, where do Labradors like to be stroked? Labradors like to be stroked along their shoulder, chest, and base of their neck and tail, they can also enjoy a gentle massage along with their ears, always be gentle with them, and instead of moving your hand over their head, try to pet them from the side.
Keep reading to learn more about where to pet your Labrador and if they like your petting or not?
Where to Pet Your Labrador?
The best place to pet your Labrador is their chest, the base of their neck and tail, and their shoulders.
However, each Lab can have a different favorite spot to be petted on, for example, some Labs love their ears to be rubbed and the others won’t even let you near their ears.
They also like to be petted under their chin and you should really avoid petting them on the muzzle, legs, tail, and paws.
When you are petting your Labrador, scratch under their muzzle lightly or massage them gently on the back of the head.
You can also move your fingers in the same direction as their fur, these three methods can help to calm down your dog.
How to know if your Lab likes your petting?
If your Lab likes your petting then probably will make eye contact with you whenever you stop petting them or they can put their paws to tell you to keep petting them.
They may also sniff you, you should always watch their body posture because it’s the most important sign of them all, for example, if their ears are relaxed then it means that they want to be petted but if their ears are upright or they show the white in their eyes then you should give them their space.
Also, if they want to be petted, they are probably going to sniff you.
How to know if your lab doesn’t like you petting them?
If your Lab approaches you slowly and you pet them then they back away suddenly, stop petting and give them their space.
Also, you should look for signs of aggression when you pet them, for example, if their tail is tense or tucked, don’t pet them.
Here are some other signs that your dog doesn’t like you petting them.
- Drawn back lips
- Snapping
- Leaning away from you
- Growling
- Ducking their head away from you
- Trying to bite you
Do Labradors like belly rubs?
Yes, Labradors like belly rubs and it’s one of their favorite ways to be petted of all time because the stroking of hair is linked to social grooming.
Also, when dogs roll over on the ground in front of your feet. It means that they want you to rub their belly and it means that your pup trusts you as well.
Do Labs like their faces touched?
Labradors don’t like their faces touched, in fact, most dogs don’t like their faces to be touched, especially if it’s someone they don’t know or someone they know but always uncomfortable around.
However, if their owner touches their face then they will just put up with it, so if you notice that your guests are going to touch your Lab’s face then ask them nicely to pet them gently instead but only if your dog seems okay with being petted by them.
And remember to never pull or tug on their ears or their whiskers. It hurts, and in some cases, the dog will react aggressively and even bite you. Make sure the kids also understand this, otherwise, you are setting your house up for accidents.
What is Labrador’s sweet spot?
Labrador’s sweet spot is located under their skin, it’s a cluster of nerves, and when you scratch that area (their tummy), the nerves get activated and send messages to their hind legs through their spinal cord which leads to them start kicking to dislodge the source of that irritation.
I hope this article was a helpful source to you and helped you understand your Labrador even more.
So if you like this article you can share it with your friends and family, also, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Related Questions
Do dogs like their ears rubbed?
Yes, dogs do like their ears rubbed, their ears are one of the most important nerves ending spots so when you rub their ears the nerves send messages all throughout their body to release endorphins (natural drugs), try to massage behind and inside the tip of the ear by using only two fingers.
Do dogs like being stroked when asleep?
No, they don’t like being stroked when asleep, sleeping is a peaceful time for them as well, so when stroke them when they are asleep you may wake them or even scare them which can lead to them biting you, however, you can pet them if they are having a nightmare to reassure them that they are safe.
Where do dogs like to be kissed?
Dogs like to be kissed on the head but only if it’s your dog, don’t go kiss strange dogs on the head because that’s how you can end up injured, dogs usually don’t use kisses to be affectionate but they know that we do and they only like it because they think that it makes us happy.
Helpful Resources
Labrador Retrievers for Dummies by Joel Walton, Eve Adamson (which you can also check on Amazon here)
The Complete Labrador Handbook: The Essential Guide for New & Prospective Labrador Retriever Owners
11 Things Humans Do That Dogs Hate
Living with a Retriever: Recommendations and Sources
- Want the best diet for your dog? Check out the best and healthiest foods for golden retrievers at every age here – Dry, Wet, Homemade Recipes, and Treats!
- Looking for new toys? These toys will prove to be fun, engaging, and will stand their heavy chewing.
- Make them look GLAMOROUS with the best shampoos and conditioners and the best brushes here.
- Taking a walk? These are the best leashes, collars, and harnesses for the buck that you can find.
- Find my list of recommendations here.
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