Why Do Dogs Like Belly Rubs - And Do All Dogs Really Enjoy Them?
Dogs and belly rubs… it’s a familiar image. We think of dogs hanging out on the sofa enjoying having their tummies stroked by their beloved owner – and we’ve all met dogs who seem to flip over on their backs almost as soon as they meet us. It’s easy to think that all dogs enjoy belly rubs – especially since those that do, really love them - but what is the truth about this – and how can we tell if it is something your dog enjoys?
In many ways, dogs are like us humans. We all have friends or family members who are serious huggers and love physical contact, and we also all know people who feel really uncomfortable with touch – and hugs are right out! Most of us however enjoy hugs from people we love and trust, at appropriate times.
Just think about it for a moment. You might be the most committed hugger – but if a strange person came up to you, grabbed you and hugged you while you were doing your supermarket shopping, you’d be anything from frightened to furious.
Dogs and belly rubs are the same. Some dogs love belly rubs, from some people, at some times.
The secret to both you and your dog experiencing the joys and the bonding experience of a good belly rub, is to fully understand this – so read on to find out more.
Mixed messages
Most of us understand that dogs communicate with us largely through body language – and by watching this, we can get a good idea of how our dogs are feeling. The problem with dog body language – especially if you are new to it or are looking at a dog you don’t know very well – is that sometimes things we think are obvious, actually mean something else. A tail wag doesn’t always mean a dog is happy, and licking lips doesn’t always mean a dog is stressed. Dog body language is very often context-specific or else needs to be viewed alongside what other cues are saying.
A dog flipping over on their back is very definitely one of these often-misread messages. A totally relaxed dog, in their home environment, with their beloved owner, snuggling up on the sofa and rolling over on their back is, in all likelihood, showing deep contentment, indicating they are feeling safe, that they trust their person – and would really welcome a gentle belly rub.
A dog feeling worried, stressed or anxious may show low level stress cues such as lip licking, yawning, and avoidance behaviours – or else appeasement behaviours such as rolling over on their back. The last thing they want then is someone bending over them when they are in such a vulnerable position and touching them in what is a very intense way. This will increase their stress which can lead to anything from a breakdown in your relationship to them biting through fear. And when someone is close enough to rub a dog’s belly, their face is very close to the sharp end.
Why Do Dogs Love Tummy Rubs?
For those dogs who love belly rubs, there are some good reasons other than just ‘it feels good’.
Belly rubs activate a network of sensitive nerve endings located on a dog's underside. Think of your dog's belly as having a whole network of tiny sensors. When you rub it, these sensors get activated, and for dogs who enjoy this kind of interaction, it sends a message of pleasure to their brain. It's a bit like how a good massage can feel amazing to us – it stimulates those nerves and makes us feel relaxed.
But it's not just about the feeling. When your dog enjoys a belly rub, their brain releases neurotransmitters – including endorphins. These natural hormones released by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus can alleviate pain, lower stress and anxiety, improve mood and enhance a sense of well-being. Many things trigger endorphins including exercise, good food – and often belly rubs from a beloved owner!
Another ‘brain chemical’ released by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus is oxytocin, often called the ‘love hormone’. This hormone, which is also often called the ‘cuddle chemical’, because it is released by touch such as hugs, massage and physical contract from someone you trust, can by its production, strengthen the bond and relationship between you and your dog. Even better, that hormone goes both ways – so it can make you both feel closer, more connected and more relaxed and content.
So, belly rubs aren't just a way to show your dog some love - they can actually have real physiological effects that make you both feel good and strengthen your relationship.
The Law of Consent: Does my dog want belly rubs or to be left alone?
Knowing that your dog wants and enjoys belly rubs is vitally important for your dog’s enjoyment, your relationship, and your safety. You want to know that your dog is loving this, that they trust you, and that a belly rub is a joy for you both!
Often owners can unwittingly force interactions on a dog who isn’t enjoying them. This has the opposite effect than intended and can damage trust – and result in a dog who avoids physical contact.
All contact with your dog should be subject to the Law of Consent. This gives them a say in whether they are enjoying the interaction and feel comfortable with it – because after all, they can’t say anything to you if they don’t!
- The choice to interact in the first place should be your dog’s. They should be the one to come to you for physical contact – whether that is strokes, ear rubs, bottom scritches or belly rubs.
- In the case of belly rubs, rolling over to present their tummy should always be their idea too.
- Always make sure they are able to move away from you if they need to and don’t feel trapped.
- Stroke, rub, scritch or massage for 5 seconds – and then stop.
- If your dog solicits more attention, you know you have consent to continue – for another 5 second.
- Continue in this manner and be aware that your dog can get fed up, bored or overwhelmed at any time. If they want to leave or move away – or just change position - let them. Remember that consent can be withdrawn at any time (cat owners know this well!).
- You can be more relaxed about this as you get to know your dog really well but it is still important to keep in mind.
- This is especially important with dogs you don't know or who are new to you (such as recently rescued dogs).
By sticking to the Law of Consent, you always know that your dog is enjoying the interaction as much as you are – and that they can trust you to give them that agency. Most owners find that just be doing this, their dog comes to them for affection far more and enjoys it for far longer.
Signs your dog is enjoying belly rubs
This is a time when a dog’s body language says it all!
- Relaxed posture with no tension.
- Loose floppy legs.
- Ears relaxed and eyes closed or half closed.
- No tension around their mouth or face.
- Relaxed tail or maybe tiny wags at the end.
- Happy to stay close and enjoy the interaction with no attempts to move.
Signs your dog isn’t enjoying a belly rub
If you have followed the Law of Consent, you will never put your dog in this position but…
- Attempts to move away.
- Yawning.
- Lip licking.
- Tension in their body or limbs.
- Eyes open and tight lips.
Where else do dogs like to be petted?
While some dogs really enjoy belly rubs, others aren’t quite ready to be that trusting or have such intense physical contact – or maybe the place and time isn’t right. For them, gentle ear rubs, scritches at the top of their tail, and strokes down the side of the neck can all be enjoyable, reassuring and less intense than a belly rub.
Spend time discovering what touches are enjoyable for your dog – and when they like them the most.
Why Belly Rubs Strengthen Your Bond with Your Dog
For a dog who is happy and content, and is spending time relaxing with their favourite person, belly rubs are often the ultimate pleasure. They deepen the trust and bond between you, release the ‘love hormone’ oxytocin, develop your relationship and give you both a feeling of connection.
Knowing and understanding your own individual dog and paying attention to their body language and what they are ‘saying’ to you, can ensure that belly rubs are a source of joy and bonding for you both.
