It is easy to rub a dog's tummy.It may not seem obvious that a pleasurable and easy activity needs further instruction and explanation, but dogs love to have their tummies rubbed.If you think your dog is ready for a tummy rub, take some time to understand his body language and learn how to rub his belly the right way.
Step 1: Look at your dog's posture.
Look at his posture before rubbing his belly.If his body is loose and fluid, then he is happy.He might not be very receptive to having his belly rubbed if he looks tense.If your dog sleeps, don't wake him up to rub his tummy.
Step 2: Determine if your dog is submissive.
You should approach your dog.If your dog rolls onto his back as soon as you get close, he is likely submissive.This submissive behavior may be accompanied by other submissive actions, such as licking the lips.These actions look like an invitation by your dog to rub his belly, but this is not necessarily the case.If your dog becomes submissive when you approach him, he may be intimidated by you and won't want you to rub his tummy right away.You can make him feel more comfortable by getting on the ground a small distance away from him.Let him come over to you.Don't try to get him to come closer when you call.
Step 3: Understand why your dog has a belly.
Your dog may present his belly as a form of submission, but he may also be showing that he trusts you or wants to play.It's not always obvious what your dog is doing.Your vet can help you understand the differences between submissive and playful dogs.The dog puts himself in a vulnerable position when he lies on his back.If you and your dog have developed a close bond, he will probably allow you to rub his tummy.
Step 4: Gain your dog's trust.
If you have established a trusting relationship with your dog, you will be able to rub his tummy with ease.There are a few things you can do to get your dog to trust you.When you approach him, be calm.Staying calm as you approach your dog will help him see that you are not threatening and that he can trust you.If you want to approach him from the side rather than the front, walk towards him.If you reach his side, kneel down or sit in the same direction that he is facing.Don't make eye contact since it can be seen as a threat.You can pet him if he is more comfortable with you being close to him.You can reduce his anxiety by talking to him in soothing tones.
Step 5: If your dog rolls over, watch.
Your dog might not want to have his tummy rubbed if he does not roll over on his own.Lying on his side can make him anxious and upset with you.He doesn't want to have his tummy rubbed.
Step 6: Pet your dog.
Start by petting his chest.Stop petting him right away if he growls or snarls.He is giving you a strong indication that he does not want to be petted.The growls and snarls are signs of aggression.There are a number of things that could cause aggression.The cause of the aggression can be determined by various medical and behavior tests.Continue to pet his chest if he isn't showing any displeasure when you start petting him.He can be more comfortable if you weave your fingers through his fur.
Step 7: Rub your dog's tummy.
When your dog is comfortable with you touching his chest, move your hand down his body to rub his tummy.He should be very relaxed by now.Slow and sweeping movements are used.Talking to him in soothing tones will help him relax.When you rub his tummy, he may kick his back leg.Many people think that this is a sign that your dog has a ticklish spot.He kicks his leg because of the scratch reflex.When your dog's nerves are activated under the skin, there is a scratch reflex.Your dog will kick his leg if he senses that the nerve is irritation on the skin.If you notice that your dog's leg kicks automatically, you should stop rubbing him in that area of his tummy and move to another area.If your dog seems to be enjoying the tummy rub, but then gets up and walks away, he's letting you know that he doesn't want his tummy rubbed.There is no need to be concerned because this is normal behavior.He will give you another indication that this is not the right time for a tummy rub if you feel his body tensing up when you rub it.