It seems like a dog’s head and a person’s hand were meant to go together. But why do dogs like to be pet so much, and what are the best places to pet a dog? To answer these questions, it’s important to understand the signs dogs give before, during and after petting. Get ready — we’re about to explore the science behind dog petting.

Prepping to Be Pet

Have you ever heard the saying, “Let sleeping dogs lie?” Although all dogs like a good hand massage, they should be the ones to initiate the petting. Whether they’re a new puppy, your long-time fur kid or a dog you’ve never met before, you should always look for the mutual agreement that the dog wants you to pet them. If a dog wants to be petted, they will sniff you, and then their ears, tail and other parts of their body will become relaxed. Watch for loose shoulders, a soft gaze and an open mouth. When they start to wiggle a little bit or nuzzle up against you, that’s your sign that they’re ready for a good round of petting.

You should first pet the dog on the chest, shoulder or base of the neck rather than moving your hand over the top of their head. Make the initial petting slow and a little bit like a light massage. Avoid the base of the tail, under the chin and the back of the neck. Definitely don’t grab at the dog’s face or pet their ears roughly, since most dogs do not like that type of petting. Once you get to know a dog well, you can try to pet other areas and see what they like. When you’re done petting, be sure to use a consistent response like “all done” so that your dog doesn’t keep jumping up or try to nuzzle into you and knock you over for more pets.

How Will I Know If They Really Love Me?

Do dogs like to be pet all the time once they know you? For the most part, dogs do like to use petting as a way to bond with their owner. According to Paws for People, “It’s well-known (and scientifically proven) that interaction with a gentle, friendly pet has significant benefits” for both the human and the dog. However, petting should be done in a way that pleases your dog and helps them feel calm, loved and safe. It’s important to make time to pet your dog every day and allow others to pet them in the way they like.

When you get a new puppy, it is important to get to know them and their preferences before you take them to socialize with other dogs and people. This will allow you to recommend the best way for people to approach and pet your dog to reduce their anxiety around strangers. Keep in mind that some dogs make connections with certain people more than others. While your puppy might like being pet on the belly at home with you, they may not like that when they’re out and about with new people.

Finding “The Spot”

Have you ever petted a dog and noticed their leg moving rapidly? This scratch reflex is an involuntary movement. Although it can seem funny to see your dog kicking their leg, it actually activates nerves that go to the spinal cord and may be irritating to them. Some people think rubbing this spot on a dog’s belly is what they want, but in most cases, dogs would prefer to lie next to you and get petted on the chest instead. Very similar to arm or leg spasms in humans, a massage should evoke relaxation and not involuntary, rapid movements.

So, the next time you see a dog, remember to let them initiate the contact, start by petting their chest and shoulder areas and let them take the lead on how much and how often they want to be petted.

It’s no secret that when things get crazy in the house, cats will seek the quietest, most secluded spot to escape the chaos. But why is your cat hiding in the farthest corner of your bedroom closet? Why do cats like to hide in general? It’s all part of your feline friend’s instinctive behavior.

Why Do Cats Hide?

Although they’re domesticated, your cat’s ancestors sought secluded spaces to birth their kittens and seek shelter from predators, according to Feline Behavior Solutions. That’s likely why your cat gravitates toward the unassuming cardboard box left over from your latest online purchase. There may be times when your fur baby hides because they’re stressed out, says ASPCAPro. Usually, though, they’re just relaxing in a space that feels secure. Here are some of the most common hiding spots and why cats love them.

In a Box

The most common escape is your average cardboard box — be it a shoebox or a case of soda. Boxes provide a soothing space for your feline friend. For many cats, the smaller, the better. In addition to the warmth that cardboard insulation generates, a box’s four walls give cats the security and comfort they crave. Additionally, they can spy on you — and anyone else who invades their territory — by peeking over the sides. Strategically placing different-sized boxes around the house will amp up your feline friend’s playtime, too. Boxes also provide a place where your cat can scratch freely without damaging anything of value.

Under the Bed (or Under the Covers & Pillows)

Let’s face it: Cats love the fluffy coziness of your bed just as much as you do. Hiding under the bed feels especially secure, however. If you’re hosting a party at your house and you don’t see your cat around, you may find them here because it’s dark, quiet and too small to fit a human. In other words, it’s perfect for when your kitty feels shy and would rather not interact with your house guests. You also likely spend a lot of time in bed, so the general area may remind your cat of you, which can be comforting.

In a Laundry Basket

Your cat’s affection for lazing on your bed may transfer over to a love of laundry baskets, preferably filled with fresh-out-of-the-dryer clothes. Freshly dried laundry appeals to heat-seeking kitties. While you may not love having cat hair all over your clothing, if you discover your cat hiding in your laundry basket, can you really blame them? After all, it’s not that much different from when you snuggle up with a warm blanket. Cats also love to relax in baskets filled with dirty laundry since it smells like you — their favorite person.

In a Closet

What’s not to love about a dark closet? Cats love this space because it has sturdy, secure walls and an abundance of soft fabric to cuddle. The clothes also smell like you, and your scent can be a great feline stress buster. Another benefit of a closet is that the enclosed space blocks much of the sound emanating from the rest of the home, so your kitty can get a good day’s sleep. This is another popular cat hiding spot if you’re hosting a party or if they know that it’s nail trimming time or time for a bath. Just make sure you prepare yourself. Seeing a couple of eyes peering out of the dark as you go to change your shoes can give you quite a startle.

In the Sink

You may be taken aback the first time you catch your cat lounging in the bathroom sink, but it’s actually a pretty great spot. For starters, the average bathroom sink is just the right size to contain your furry friend, much like a cardboard box. Additionally, cats find the coolness of the sink comfortable. The proximity of running water to drink is a bonus (many cats love drinking running water, and some may even turn on faucets!). One day you may pull back your shower curtain to find your cat sitting in the tub. Although it’s a much bigger structure, the bathtub also provides a cool, secure hideout. Keep in mind, however, that this could signal a health issue, as some cats experiencing urinary tract inflammation may seek out the cool bathtub to urinate. Notify your veterinarian of any change in your cat’s normal behavior.

Next time you go to break down those empty cardboard boxes, put away your laundry or tidy up your closet, think again. Providing your cat with an array of hiding spots around the house will help to keep them cool, calm and collected.

Image Sources: Christine O’Brien