We melt with tenderness when our dog shows us his tummy, and we immediately throw out our hands to rub it, because that's what he touches. It's a moment of connection between our pet and us.
But Why do dogs like to have their bellies scratched? Does every time they turn on their backs mean they want their belly scratched? caress them? In this article on our site, we are going to find out what they are trying to tell us with this gesture.
What does it mean when a dog shows its belly?
Surely you have observed several situations in which your dog rolls over on the ground and shows his belly. Sometimes he snuggles up to you on the couch and stretches his legs up so you can get better access to his belly. At that moment the thing is clear: he wants you to caress him. But what happens if you see an unknown dog making this gesture? Is it always a request for caresses?
That the dog shows its belly can be for various reasons related to psychological issues, as we explain in this other article on Why do dogs show their bellies? Showing your belly is a sign of submission and trust Whether it's because he's afraid and submissive or if he asks you to scratch his belly out of vice, this isthe most vulnerable position that the dog can give you.
If you come across a dog in the street showing its belly to you, it's a good idea to walk away slowly so it sees that you're not a threat. You may detect other appeasement signals, such as tucking tail between legs, turning head away, and licking nose.
If you notice your dog nervous in new situations or with strangers and shows his belly, it's best not to scratch the animal. We will explain to strangers that this is not a sign that he wants to be scratched, but rather that he needs some time to get used to it. It would be best to leave it alone and wait until it feels more comfortable and approaches with just its ears and tail raised.
Of course, he can also show his belly for you to rub. But… why do they like to have their belly scratched? We will see it next.
Caresses on the belly give them security
Now that we have seen that dogs show their bellies as a gesture of submission and respect, it remains to be seen what they feel when we caress them, that is, why dogs like to be scratched belly.
It is evident that scratching our dog's belly can be a tender moment, an act that reassures him and provides security. When he turns on his back and asks for pampering, it is time to strengthen ties with his tutor. They like it because they feel safe and loved, a childhood memory when they slept with their siblings. In fact, turning on his back is clearly one of the postures of a happy dog.
If you want to let your dog know that you love him, you can read this other article on How does my dog know that I love him?, where we talk in greater depth about the subject.
What does your dog feel when you pet him?
Dogs do not always interpret caresses as signs of affection. In his world, that depends on the area of the body involved and the situation. That comes from the world of the wolves, when the alpha puts a paw on the body to show who is the leader. Now that we have seen what a dog feels when you stroke his belly, let's see what strokes on other areas of the body: mean to him
Caresses on the head
This is a very sensitive area, so it is not a good idea to pet the head of an unknown dog. It could be interpreted as a threat, because this gesture is very authoritative If it is the guardian who caresses this area, for your pet it means that he is happy and satisfied with his behaviour.
Caresses on the back
When dogs place one paw on the other's back, they are most likely friends and playing. This kindly shows that they would like to be the dominant one during the game. Therefore, caresses in this area are taken as a kind gesture which means: “we are friends”.
Caresses on the side
When the dogs feel comfortable with one of their own, they rub side to side. It is taken as a friendly greeting. Therefore, if you pet your dog on the side, he will interpret it as a gesture of trust and friendship.
Caresses on the neck
With caresses on the neck you have won over the puppy, because for them it is the show of maximum trust and affection He feels protected and loved due to the memory of his mother licking him as a cub alongside his siblings in the litter. If he extends and moves his neck so that you caress him better, you have managed to recreate that tender memory in him.
If you want your dog to trust you more or if you feel that he is afraid of you, we encourage you to read this other article on our site on Tips for gaining a dog's trust
How to pat a dog's belly?
First you have to find out if the dog really asks for cuddles or is actually submissive out of fear. If it is an unknown dog or it is a strange situation for him, in a new place, it is better to wait for a calmer moment to pet him. Let him come closer to you and smell your hand to gain confidence.
Both on the belly and the rest of the body, always caress the animal with consideration and affection To make it feel comfortable, start with less delicate areas, such as the back. Many dog guardians have gotten used to slapping, albeit affectionate, on the back of their furry dog, but it is not something they like, as it is a threatening movement. The animal could be frightened and react unexpectedly to respect.
On the other hand, all dogs are different, therefore, they have different tastes and characters. Sometimes they don't like to have their bellies scratched, their heads scratched or their tails touched. Never forget that your pet is a living being, that it has the right to be treated with respect and that it deserves love and affection. In any case, the best way to pet a dog is to get down to his height, squat down and if you detect that he rejects your pets, leave him alone.
