Why do dogs love belly rubs? 

Dog belly rub

Many dogs love a good scratch or belly rub. Maybe even more so than playing with their favorite toy or going on a long walk. They just love to relax, lay on their back and be stroked over their belly. But, what exactly is the reason that your dog loves belly rubs so much? Or why might your dog not be interested in them at all? If you want to know more why dogs do (or do not) adore belly rubs, which dogs love belly rubs the most and how to make sure your dog has a soothing experience, please read along! 

 

What feelings do dogs get from belly rubs? 

For a dog to enjoy a belly rub, they should first of all feel comfortable with laying on their back. When they do so, it is not a sign of compliance or submission, rather they feel comfortable with their companionship. Of course, you should always look at the context in which the dog finds itself. A dog would, for instance, feel less comfortable with laying on its back when it is forced to. This can be the case when you yourself lay the dog down on its back, or if the dog is commanded to do so. In those situations, a dog will not feel comfortable, nor will it enjoy a belly rub. 

If the dog is comfortable with laying on its back, he or she will most likely really enjoy a belly rub. It is seen as comforting, due to the fact that it feels similar to social grooming. With social grooming, the feeling of being cared for is arising. This is one of the reasons why dogs love belly rubs the way they do. 

Another reason for why dogs love belly rubs, is that they get a feeling of affection. When someone takes the time to give a dog attention, they feel very loved. This feeling of comfort can return in a stronger bond between you and your dog.  

 

The love of belly rubs according to scientists 

According to scientists, there can be various reasons for why dogs enjoy belly rubs. One of the main reasons for this is that rubbing a dog’s belly stimulates their hair follicles. These hair follicles find themselves underneath the skin and cause hair growth. By rubbing the belly, brain neurons and endorphins are activated.

This gives dogs a nice and relaxing feeling. You could compare it to someone massaging your scalp or giving you backrubs. To note, this neuron can only be activated through the touching of hair. Dogs can thus only get this relaxing and comforting sensation by you petting them or giving them belly rubs. 

Dog rolling

Which dogs prefer belly rubs? 

When a dog feels comfortable, basically all dogs breeds love belly rubs. However, there are some breads or dogs with particular history that might not like it. For example, small dogs might not be as comfortable with a belly rubs due to their size. With smaller breeds, like chihuahuas, you therefore might want to sit down when giving them a belly rub, rather than standing over. This way you are not overpowering your presence.

Medium sized breeds, like Labradors, Terriers and Bulldogs, tend to be the most comfortable and loving towards belly rubs. They do not get easily overwhelmed and can roll on their back easily. Larger dogs, for example a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Great Dane, tend to also love belly rubs. However, due to their height and weight, it might not be as comfortable for them to lay on their back for a long period of time. 

Some dogs also do not like belly rubs because they feel uncomfortable in a particular situation. But, it could also be the case that they have some social issues due to their raising or history. This could cause your dog to feel somewhat uncomfortable with exposing their belly. In particular as they expose sensitive parts with laying on their back. If this is the case, you should not force a belly rub. Rather, try to create a better bond with your dog. This way he or she knows that they can trust you and that you will not hurt them. 

Similar issues arise with dogs that have been adopted. Specifically, dogs that have been abandoned or have been in a shelter for a long time, tend to have difficulties with trusting their owners. This can in turn cause them to not be comfortable with belly rubs at all. However, through training, forming a connection and taking the time, this should get lots better. Once, your dog is comfortable with laying on its side, you can try stroking and rubbing him or her. If the dog feels relaxed and comfortable, and willing to receive a belly rub, they will turn to their back themselves. Try not to force them to lay on their back, as you might damage the bond you two have created. 

Once your dog, from small to large, is ready for a belly rub, try to start with some soft strokes. You can try to first touch the upper side of their belly. If your dog is comfortable and okay with the strokes you make, you can move to the more sensitive areas of the belly. Still try to move slowly and not apply too much pressure. If you have a medium-sized or larger dog, you can apply a little more pressure when cuddling with your dog.

You could also massage the shoulders, legs and paws of your dog during their calming and soothing belly rub. Also try to adjust your strokes, by alternating straight and waving strokes. Perhaps your dog even likes you to brush both up and down. End your lovely belly rub by petting the head of your dog, saying a few encouraging words and letting them know you appreciate their trust. 

Petting dog

How to give the best belly rubs 

Many dogs love and adore belly rubs! This most likely has to do with the feeling of comfort and relaxation that comes with it. For many dogs, it also reminds them of someone else taking care of them, like with social grooming. Belly rubs also stimulate the hair follicles of the dog, which in turn sets off endorphins and brain neurons. This provides your dog with a soothing feeling. 

Of course, not all dogs adore belly rubs. This could have many reasons. For example, small dogs might feel overpowered. Also, the history of a dog is very important to take into consideration. Especially dogs that have been through a lot of had a hard time, might not feel comfortable with receiving belly rubs. However, if you pay close attention to the situation and the reaction of your dog, you will notice this soon enough. Try not to pressure them and just give them the love and attention they prefer. 

Once your dog is completely comfortable with receiving a belly rub, start with softly patting de dog’s belly. Preferably, you start at the top of the belly. If your dog is fully comfortable, you can move to their more sensitive areas. Of course, you can also include a massage of their shoulders, paws and legs. Always end your belly rub by letting your dog know that you appreciate their trust. 

With all this information, giving a belly rub was never easier! We are very curious to hear about your experiences with your dog and giving belly rubs. Does your dog love them? Or, does your dog not care for a belly rub? Please let us know in the comments! 

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Onlinedogworld Team

Onlinedogworld Team

Our readers and writers have one thing in common: a passion for dogs. At Onlinedogworld we try to help dog owners (and dogs) by giving them information about dog breeds, dog training and dog behavior. Our team does their best to make Onlinedogworld the best possible place to go to for dog owners, by keep improving the website.
Onlinedogworld Team

Onlinedogworld Team

Our readers and writers have one thing in common: a passion for dogs. At Onlinedogworld we try to help dog owners (and dogs) by giving them information about dog breeds, dog training and dog behavior. Our team does their best to make Onlinedogworld the best possible place to go to for dog owners, by keep improving the website.

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