Why Hugging Your Dog May Be Doing More Harm Than Good, Expert Explains

Hugging feels like one of the most natural ways to show love, but for dogs, the experience may not carry the same meaning.

Joanne Hinds, a dog trainer and certified Centre of Applied Pet Ethology (COAPE) animal behaviorist, warns that what humans see as comfort can sometimes register as pressure or restraint for dogs, especially when they cannot easily move away or opt out of the interaction.

“Hugging is a very human way of showing love, but it is not a natural or comfortable interaction for dogs,” Hinds told Newsweek via email. “Some dogs learn to tolerate hugs because they trust their owner, but tolerance is not the same as enjoyment.”

The warning comes as many pet owners remain unaware that behaviors they interpret as calmness may actually be signs of discomfort.

Why Some Dogs Dislike Hugs

The core issue is that hugging restricts a dog’s ability to make choices in the moment, according to Hinds.

A hug places pressure around a dog’s body and can limit the ability to move away if they want to disengage. While some confident dogs may tolerate or even enjoy close contact, others may find it overwhelming depending on their health, age, temperament and past experiences.

“Rescue dogs or dogs with limited early socialization may be more sensitive to close-contact handling because they have not learned that it is safe and predictable,” she said.

Older dogs or those with health conditions might also struggle with hugging, Hinds added, as pain, stiffness or discomfort can make the pressure and restraint unpleasant, even if they have previously tolerated it.

Signs Your Dog May Be Uncomfortable

The first sign owners should look for to determine if a dog is uncomfortable is stillness and freezing.

But Hinds warns, even if a canine stays close during the interaction, it does not mean they are enjoying it. Dogs often tolerate situations, remaining calm until the interaction ends. This lack of resistance should never be viewed as a guarantee that a dog feels comfortable or would never react defensively.

Owners should instead look for other signs, including turning their head away, lip licking, yawning, showing the whites of their eyes, ears pinned back, tail tucked, trying to move away, lifting a paw, avoiding eye contact or panting when it is not hot.

Many dogs prefer affection that gives them a choice, which may include sitting beside their owners, leaning in, being gently pet or choosing to rest nearby.

Families and Children Need to Be Especially Careful

Hinds said children are often the most likely family members to tightly cuddle dogs because they are expressing affection in the way they would with a favorite toy or family member.

However, dogs may feel trapped if they are hugged, grabbed, climbed on or prevented from moving away. And while a canine might show warning signs before a bite or growl, children may not be able to interpret a dog’s body language.

“I often encourage families to think beyond physical affection,” she said. “Children can build wonderful relationships with dogs through activities such as reading to them, helping prepare enrichment games, supervised play and simple games like hide-and-seek.”

Parents should teach their children to never corner a dog or approach them when they are sleeping, resting or eating. Encourage gentle, one-handed pets on the shoulder or chest.

Never Punish a Growl

If a dog growls while being hugged, Hinds says owners should stop the interaction rather than punish the behavior.

“Growling is communication,” she said. “It is a dog saying they are uncomfortable and need the situation to change.”

By punishing a dog’s growl, they may stop giving people that warning in the future, making interactions less safe because they now have fewer ways to say they are uncomfortable or struggling.

Better Ways to Show Affection

Hinds recommends allowing dogs to choose how they interact rather than forcing physical contact.

Alternative ways to show affection include:

• Letting the dog come to you
• Gently stroking areas they enjoy, such as the chest, shoulders or side
• Sitting near them without holding them
• Playing games or training together
• Offering calm praise and shared routines
• Ensuring they always have a safe space where they can retreat undisturbed

She also recommends using a simple “three-second rule.”

Owners can gently stroke their dog for around three seconds before pausing. If the dog leans in, nudges for more attention or remains relaxed, they may want the interaction to continue. If they move away, lick their lips or disengage, it is a sign they would prefer space.

“This is a simple way to give dogs choice,” Hinds said. “Affection should be a conversation, not something we do to them regardless of how they feel.”

Respecting Boundaries Strengthens the Bond

For families, Hinds says understanding canine body language can help prevent stressful interactions and build trust.

“The idea that dogs should enjoy hugs because they love us is one of the biggest misunderstandings around affection,” she said.

Plus, Hinds believes social media, advertising and traditional media have played a role in people assuming dogs love hugs. While adorable, the content most people see is often very short and may not capture the subtle body language signals.

“What matters is whether the dog has a choice,” she said. “If they can move away, if their signals are respected, and if affection happens in a way they enjoy, the relationship becomes safer and more trusting.”

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This story was originally published June 25, 2026 at 1:54 PM.