Do dogs like being hugged? Is it OK to hug your dog?

Dogs are affectionate companions who thrive on social bonds, but they experience physical affection differently from humans. While humans often express love through hugging, dogs interpret hugs quite differently, which can lead to stress rather than comfort.

Understanding whether dogs like being hugged helps improve the bond between you and your pet, ensuring their wellbeing and safety.

Do dogs like being hugged?

Dogs generally do not like being hugged. Unlike humans, dogs do not naturally cuddle or hug each other, so this gesture is outside their usual social behaviours. To a dog, a hug can feel like being physically restrained or confined, which is uncomfortable and potentially threatening.

During a hug, dogs may feel restricted, triggering their fight-or-flight response, as they cannot easily move away from the embrace.

How do dogs feel about hugs?

Instead of viewing a hug as affection, dogs often interpret it as a dominance or confinement gesture. Signs that your dog is stressed during a hug include turning their head away, licking lips, yawning, flattening their ears, or showing the whites of their eyes (known as "whale eye").

Some well-trained dogs tolerate hugs, especially from their trusted humans, but tolerance does not mean enjoyment. It’s important to respect a dog’s boundaries to prevent anxiety or defensive reactions.

Why do some dogs "hug" people?

When dogs "hug" people by wrapping a front leg around them, it's not a display of affection in the human sense. Instead, this behaviour usually means the dog is asserting its own dominance or seeking to balance social status, especially if it occurs after you've hugged them.

Is it safe to hug your dog?

Hugging can be risky, particularly for children or unfamiliar dogs. Close face-to-face proximity combined with physical restraint can provoke a stress response, which might lead to snapping or biting, even in typically well-behaved dogs.

It’s safer to show affection in ways dogs naturally understand and enjoy.

Safer ways to show affection to your dog

• Pet your dog gently on the chest, shoulders, or under the chin.
• Learn to read your dog’s body language to understand their comfort levels.
• Teach children to approach dogs calmly and respectfully without hugging or restraining.
• Offer treats, verbal praise, and play to build positive associations.

What the research says about dogs and hugs

Studies conducted up to 2025 consistently show that most dogs exhibit signs of stress when hugged. For example, Dr Stanley Coren’s 2016 study found that 81% of dogs showed at least one stress indicator in photos where they were hugged, while only a small minority appeared comfortable.

More recent 2024 investigations analysing social media videos confirmed these findings, highlighting the importance of respecting dogs’ preferences for physical contact.

Conclusion

While hugging is a natural way for humans to show love, most dogs do not share this preference. Hugging can cause stress and even provoke defensive behaviour in dogs, making it unwise to force this interaction. Instead, owners and families should explore alternative ways of expressing affection that respect dogs’ natural communication styles and promote their welfare.

By understanding your dog's body language and preferences, you build a safer and happier relationship based on trust and respect.