Tactile Communication: How Dogs Use Touch to Connect

Dogs communicate differently from humans, but tactile communication—using physical touch—is a vital bridge between the species. Understanding how dogs use touch to express themselves helps deepen your bond and ensures you respond appropriately to their needs and emotions.

Understanding Tactile Communication in Dogs

Tactile communication is one of the most direct ways dogs convey messages, both to other dogs and humans. This includes various types of touch that express feelings such as affection, submission, excitement, or social status. Touch helps dogs bond, assert boundaries, and even calm tensions within a group.

Dogs adapt their tactile signals depending on context and relationship. For example, gentle, slow touch can soothe a nervous dog, while placing a paw firmly on another may assert dominance or request attention. Recognising these cues improves interactions and strengthens your relationship with your dog.

1. Licking: A Multifaceted Signal

Licking is often misunderstood but is a versatile communication tool for dogs. They may lick to taste the saltiness of your skin, gather scent information, groom you much like they would other dogs, express affection, or signal submission.

While being licked can sometimes be uncomfortable or spread germs, it is usually a positive sign showing your dog’s affection and social bonding intent. If excessive licking occurs, it may also indicate anxiety or a desire for comfort.

2. Body-to-Body Contact: Comfort and Connection

Many dogs enjoy physical closeness, whether leaning against you or lying on your lap. Small breeds such as the Shih Tzu often climb into laps, but even larger breeds seek this comfort.

This contact is reassuring for dogs, helping them feel secure and part of their pack, sharing warmth, and strengthening their emotional connection with you.

3. Swiping and Pawing: Asking for Attention

When your dog swipes or paws at you, it’s usually a request for attention, play, or to stop something they dislike. This behaviour is similar to how a child might tug on an adult’s clothing to gain notice.

Understanding the reason behind this can help you respond effectively, whether by engaging with play or addressing the unwanted situation calmly.

4. Jumping Up: A Double-Edged Behavior

Jumping up can be a challenging behaviour to manage but is often an excited attempt to greet you or raise themselves to your eye level, especially in smaller dogs. Starting firm training from puppyhood is key to curbing this habit.

Ignoring jumping and rewarding calm greetings teaches your dog more appropriate ways to seek your attention.

5. Nose Nudging: Gentle Prompts and Greetings

Dogs frequently use their noses to nudge or push, both among themselves and with people. A wet nose poking you grabs attention effectively. Mothers also use nose nudges to guide or correct puppies, indicating the behaviour’s strong communication role.

Your dog may nudge you to say hello, prompt an action, or guide you towards something they want.

6. Mouthing: Exploring Without Harm

Mouthing is when a dog holds or grabs with their mouth without biting down hard. Puppies especially learn bite inhibition through mouthing during early development.

Gentle mouthing from your dog generally means they want to interact, play, or get your focus, rather than showing aggression.

7. Leaning Against Your Legs: Comfort or Control?

Leaning is a tactile way dogs seek comfort and reassurance, often when relaxing beside you. However, in social situations, a dog standing or sitting in front of you and leaning may also be exhibiting protective or dominant behaviour.

Recognising context helps you interpret whether your dog is simply resting or subtly signalling "this is my person" to others in a peaceful way.

Responsible and Respectful Interaction

Understanding tactile communication is essential to fostering a meaningful relationship with your dog. Always respect their signals and personal space, and avoid encouraging unwanted behaviours like jumping or excessive pawing.

By reading your dog's physical signals accurately, you can respond compassionately and appropriately, strengthening the bond you share while promoting their well-being and comfort.

For those looking to find a beloved canine companion, consider adopting or purchasing from reputable breeders or adoption centres committed to ethical and responsible practices.

Why Do Dogs Lick Humans?

Quick Answer: Dogs lick humans to communicate affection, gather scent information, groom, show submissiveness, or because they like the taste of salty skin.

Licking serves multiple purposes in a dog's communication toolbox. Often, it is a warm, social gesture signalling friendship and love, much like grooming between dogs. It can also be a submissive act, especially in puppies, to show respect or appease. Beyond communication, licking helps dogs gather sensory data from their environment, including from you.

Excessive licking may sometimes indicate stress or a need for attention. Understanding this behaviour helps owners respond with kindness and appropriate care.

How to Respond to Your Dog’s Physical Communication

Recognising and responding to your dog's tactile signals in a timely and gentle manner is crucial. For example, if your dog paws to get your attention, gently engage with them or address their needs. When they lean on you, allow it as a sign of trust and comfort, but ensure boundaries remain clear to prevent dominance issues.

Training and socialisation from an early age are important to guide your dog on acceptable tactile behaviours, fostering a harmonious coexistence.

Conclusion: Enhancing Your Understanding of Dog Touch Communication

Dogs’ use of physical contact is a rich, nuanced language that conveys affection, social cues, and needs. By learning to interpret licking, pawing, nudging, and other tactile behaviours in their true canine context rather than human terms, you can improve your communication and connection with your dog.

Embracing this understanding promotes responsible ownership, respect for your dog’s emotions, and a happier, more trusting relationship.