Dog likes being petted but doesn’t show it

April 3, 2020 6:57 AM

My dog, who is otherwise expressive and affectionate, lays like a lump on a log while being petted. She occasionally rolls over to offer her belly or bears into a head scritch and she always reacts when I stop petting, but for the most part there is zero movement. Is this normal? Is there anything I can do to get her to let me know what she likes and doesn’t?

I’m more familiar with cats, who if nothing else will suddenly bite you when they decide you are scritching in the wrong place. But there’s also lots of purring and stretching and moving their body to make sure you’re hitting just the right spot. Nothing from the dog though.

posted by Tell Me No Lies to Pets & Animals (12 answers total)

Best answer: It depends on the dog, but yes, it sounds fine to me based on many dogs I've known. Perhaps the dog is enjoying it and letting you continue without movement is how they keep you doing it for awhile in their mind. It sounds like she rolls over or puts her head further into your hand so she's already doing what you seem to be asking...?

Dogs react to what positively is reinforced. But I don't think your dog is being weird at all.
posted by OnTheLastCastle at 7:14 AM on April 3, 2020 [2 favorites]

Best answer: It sounds to me (since the dog reacts when you stop) that she's afraid that if she moves, you'll stop petting her!
posted by ivanthenotsoterrible at 7:20 AM on April 3, 2020 [12 favorites]

Best answer: My dog is just like this. He doesn't react almost at all until the petting stops, at which point he makes it clear that he would like the petting to resume, PRONTO. You're doin' fine.
posted by branca at 7:27 AM on April 3, 2020 [16 favorites]

Best answer: Yup, my dog's like that too. He'll roll over for belly rubs but he keeps an absolutely deadpan expression on his face the whole time.
posted by moonmilk at 7:33 AM on April 3, 2020 [7 favorites]

Best answer: My dog is also a big unmoving lump when receiving pets or especially belly rubs, but if I stop... he lets me know he would like me to continue.

The only kind of affection I can think of that he will move for is ear skritches... he leans his head into my hand for those.
posted by Automocar at 7:37 AM on April 3, 2020 [2 favorites]

Best answer: Yep, one of my dogs is like this & just lays there and enjoys it. My other dog is actively involved making sure i'm scritching the right bit just how he likes it. When you pat your dog they are flooded with Oxytocin (just as you are) that is very calming & relaxing. Your dog laying there is just enjoying the Oxytocin rush. If you want a reaction, look at giving ear rubs, that will often get dogs to react once you find out just how they like it, or scratching their butt just above their tail. It makes my quiet dog roll around on his back pretty much laughing like it tickles when I do it. But otherwise don't worry, you're doing the patting thing right.
posted by wwax at 7:40 AM on April 3, 2020 [4 favorites]

Best answer: she always reacts when I stop petting ... Is there anything I can do to get her to let me know what she likes and doesn’t?

Reacting when you stop doing it is how she lets you know she'd like more of it.
posted by GCU Sweet and Full of Grace at 8:14 AM on April 3, 2020 [3 favorites]

Best answer: If someone was going to give me a massage right now (we can dream), I would be laying absolutely relaxed, still, and just focusing on the sensation. When I massage a dog, I'm amazed at how they often go right into absolute stillness.

Sounds like your dog is just in the moment, enjoying herself.
posted by MountainDaisy at 8:52 AM on April 3, 2020 [5 favorites]

Best answer: A helpful chart.
posted by praemunire at 8:55 AM on April 3, 2020 [2 favorites]

Response by poster: Okay, sounds like I'm getting what I'm going to get. Also, before I forget: dog tax


> A helpful chart.

The one for the cat needs to randomly change every minute or two.
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 9:59 AM on April 3, 2020 [13 favorites]

^ the "awwwww" heard 'round the world!
posted by BostonTerrier at 10:08 AM on April 3, 2020 [3 favorites]

Your dog is blissed out. Good pet owner, good person!
posted by TrishaU at 4:47 PM on April 3, 2020