Why Do Dogs Like Belly Rubs So Much?
Dogs love belly rubs simply because they feel good. It also sets off a specific reaction in their brain that responds to the stimulation of hair follicles. Experts believe that dogs love petting, and belly rubs in particular; because the stroking of hair is linked to social grooming.
Submissive Behavior vs. Wanting a Belly Rub
Dogs expose their bellies to us for two main reasons: as a submissive display, and as a request for a belly rub. It’s important to know what your dog is telling you before you go in for petting!
Dogs adopting a submissive display (also called an appeasement display) are trying to diffuse social tension by showing that they’re not a threat. Petting a dog who’s showing submissive or appeasing behaviors can make the dog more nervous; because now you’re touching him in very vulnerable parts of his body!
Dogs who actually want a belly rub will generally show the following body language signals:
- Overall: loose, wiggly body postures
- Mouth: relaxed, open mouth—you might see their tongue flopping around
- Eyes: Open or squinty, bright and not necessarily staring at anything
- Tail: relaxed, wagging tail
- Vocalizations: quiet ha-ha sound as they “laugh,” or a light panting sound, or silent
In contrast, a dog who is showing submissive or appeasing behavior will look like this:
Overall: tense, low body postures—they may crouch, freeze, or tense up
- Mouth: lips pulled far back in a “fear grimace” or lips and mouth closed, may see lots of lip-licking and tongue-flicking
- Eyes: wide open and staring into the distance, or showing the whites of their eyes as they look at you, without turning their head, or eyes will be squinty and tense
- Tail: maybe still or wagging, but will have tension in the base of the tail and the tail may be tucked
- Vocalizations: quiet or soft whining
Most people find it easiest to watch the dog’s tail and mouth—but keep in mind that a wagging tail doesn’t equal a happy dog. A tucked, stiff, fast tail wag is not the same as a full-body, loose tail wag!
- For a dog to feel comfortable offering you their belly, you’re likely someone they trust and are comfortable being around.
- Dogs who have itchy skin tend to love the belly rub the most. It’s a place they might not always be able to scratch so when someone they trust really goes to town on a good belly rub, they’re usually quite happy about it.
- A good belly rubbing session can release endorphins and oxytocin in dog and owner alike, strengthening the special bond between them.
What’s more, for your dog, the interaction ties in with ‘social grooming’ practices they once experienced in groups of dogs when they lived in the wild, and their instincts for it are strong.
What matters is that you’re spending quality time with your best friend by engaging in an activity that you both enjoy.
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