Do not pet me in my head!

[Ariaditya]

During our walk, my 18 months old boy seems didn`t enjoyed being pet in the head by strangers. but he take it better when someone pet him in his chest or shoulders..Why is that ? He jumps back most of the time when being pet in the head by someone we just met, and then make some distance (but still in front of me) from that person ..and he just stare at the person (or maybe freeze?) ..some people find this kind a frightful, because their attention is just to said hello. But he seems to be more tolerant among children and women.

[Denise L.]

Richard the Rottweiler didn't like to petted on his head (he wasn't much into physical affection of any type really). Richard ALWAYS had a ball in his mouth so when people approached Richard would toss them the ball! Gosh, he was a GREAT dog!

Anyway his owner and I would just say "He doesn't like pets but if you toss the ball back to him you will have a friend for life"

Cyrus doesn't mind it, he loves all loving but I still ask strangers to scratch under his chin or butt scritch him as I would rather be safe than sorry.

If your dog is uncomfortable with head petting, don't allow it.

[Sam's Mom]

Were I to be walking my Rottie (never did... cause we lived in the woods on 50 acres) I would not want someone to just walk up and pet or pat him before checking with me to first of all see... if it is safe/ok.... and for any do's and don'ts. I am sorry but seems kinda stupid for someone to just approch a Rottie W/O clearance from the Mom or Dad. I would not approach any strange dog and just start patting him on the head without first making sure it was OK with the owner.

[Cash]

If you notice a lot of dogs will follow a persons hand with their eyes and body to see where it is going. Many dogs don't like to pet on the head, some are merely uncomfortable not knowing where a strange hand is going, and others may perceive it as an act of dominance. I always, especially with children, teach that when they want to pet a dog to ask first, and to pet them under their chin.

[Cash]

Oops, sorry double post!

Edited to continue -- Asking to pet someones dog opens up dialogue which sends a positive message to your dog that you are ok with this stranger. It also allows an owner to offer insight... ie: "my dog has bad hips and he is uncomfortable being touched on his hind end" etc.

[spidey]

Most dogs don't like being patted on the head (Patricia McConnell has a great section on exactly this topic in "For The Love Of A Dog"), no matter who's doing it. The skin on the top of the head is thin with not much muscle underneath and it just doesn't feel all that good (pat yourself on the head a few times, see how you like it). It's also a fairly dominant gesture and some dogs find it intimidating or rude.

"Patting" isn't very pleasant anyway (especially when people do that "bop bop bop" kind and you can SEE the dog wincing), stroking, rubbing and scratching are usually preferred by most dogs, and most dogs prefer that you stroke them on their chests, sides or cheeks, not the top of the head. Believe it or not, people have studied this!

[Troodie's Mom]

Some dogs might interpret that action as a threat, so I always told my kids to never pet a strange dog on the head- always hold your hand out, palm up, and let the dog sniff your hand. I also tell this to kids we see at the vets, sometimes they just run right up to Troodie.
It doesn't bother Troodie to be pet on the head, but I just say it anyway in case the next dog they meet doesn't!

[LauraL]

I agree with troodie's mum

The guy who took our training classes told us the exact same thing some dogs see this as a threat and to always go towards the side of the head with your hand out flat (like your going towards there cheeks and ear) just ask anyone who wants to pet him to pet him from the side until het gets a bit more comfortable and when he realises it's not a threat just a friendly hello

Laura

[JemarsSerena]

Serena isn't real big on being pet on the head either. I always insist that people slowly stroke her back if they want to pet her.

[SABELLESMOM]

Many dogs don't like to be "hovered over." It's rude, and he may find it oppressive. If people ask to pet him, simply say "He loves a good chest rub." Most folks will comply.

Part of it is the dogs age, too. Rae always liked kids best. So when asked, I made a big deal out of if. "Oh yes! She loves to have her chest rubbed. (I'd show them, and she's sit and grin) It's her favorite spot! Try it." They'd smile and she'd sit and let them rub away!

Dogs also prefer a slightly to the side approach, not head on. It's part of their dog language. Head on is percieved as a threat. It's similar with horses and other animals. Ever watch the "Horse Whisperer"? He never approaches the animal directly from the front.

[Ariaditya]

Yes I agree, I also prefer if people rub his chest or chin. Maybe from other people point of view, it's "safer" if they pet a dog in the head..because they don`t like their hand get too close with those teeth and they can also withdraw their hand more quickly (this is happened once, when a man refuse to pet my rott in the chest )

[groupieindenial]

Here is a recent thread with similar incidence.

http://www.rottweiler.net/forums/beh...ing-again.html

[buddysdad]

pet the dog where u like , your the boss.

[dogsbydoug]

Originally Posted by buddysdad

pet the dog where u like , your the boss.

What kind of advise is that? Why make a dog uncomfortable by petting it somewhere it does not like to be petted regardless of who is boss?

My dogs do NOT like to be hugged...do I do it anyways because I'm the boss? NO...because I RESPECT them...and I know they don't like to be hugged. I also know where they like to be petted, and don't force them to endure petting where they do not like it...that's just stupid!

[buddysdad]

your dog sud never be un comfortable when u touch it.