Should You Hug Your Dog? What Science Says About Canine Cuddles

What Research Tells Us

Dogs & Stress When Hugged

• Dr. Stanley Coren (psychologist and dog behavior researcher) looked at 250 photos of humans hugging dogs and found that about 81–82% of the dogs in those pictures showed at least one sign of stress or discomfort. Psychology Today+2American Kennel Club+2

• More recently (2024), Elizabeth Ann Walsh and colleagues examined video footage and confirmed that many dogs react to hugs with visible stress signals. In their study:

  • ~ 68% of dogs turned their head away during a hug.

  • ~ 44% licked their lips or nose.

  • ~ 60% flattened their ears.

  • About 67.5% of dogs in those videos tried to nip or bite as a last resort when feeling unsafe. HOLA! USA+1

These findings suggest that, for many dogs, a hug is not associated with comfort but rather with discomfort, especially because hugging tends to restrict their ability to move or withdraw — a natural defense mechanism in animals. PetsRadar+3American Kennel Club+3COAPE+3

Hug your Dog

Benefits to Humans and Potential Benefits to Dogs

While hugs may stress some dogs, interacting with dogs more generally often has positive effects for both humans and dogs:

• Reduction in human stress measures: Interacting with (“petting,” “play,” and other kinds of human contact) dogs has been shown to lower cortisol (a stress hormone) in humans and decrease physiological signs of stress. For example, in a study involving the Trier Social Stress Test, people paired with a dog had attenuated cortisol levels and lower heart rates compared to control groups. PubMed

• Dog welfare in shelters: Another study showed that 30‑minute sessions of human interaction (petting or play) helped reduce plasma cortisol and fear‐related behaviors in dogs newly admitted to shelters. PubMed

So while “hugging” in particular might not be the best for all dogs, human contact in general tends to have measurable benefits.

Why Hugs Can Be Problematic for Dogs

Putting together the data and expert commentary, here are some reasons why hugs may not always be ideal:

1. Restriction of movement / feeling trappedDogs often like to have an “out” — being able to move away if they feel uncomfortable. A hug usually takes away that freedom. Nature World News+2American Kennel Club+2

2. Misinterpretation of body languageHumans often misread what is “cute” or “sweet” as enjoyment, when to the dog it’s stress. Whisker twitches, lip licking, “whale eye” (seeing whites of the eyes), ears pinned back – these are often subtle signs of stress. PetsRadar+2Psychology Today+2

3. Potential for defensive behaviorIf a dog feels stuck or unable to escape, stress can escalate, and there's increased risk of a bite — even from a dog that is generally gentle. PetsRadar+1

4. Individual differences matterJust like people: past experience, breed, socialization, health status (pain, mobility) all affect how a dog responds to physical touch and hugs. Some dogs may not mind, or may even appear to enjoy them, especially if gently approached and if the dog has been conditioned to accept or seek that kind of contact. But for many others, hugs are tolerated rather than enjoyed.

When Hugs Might Be Okay / How to Do Them “Better”

Even given the risk of stress, hugs are not always “bad” — under certain conditions and with the dog’s consent, they may be acceptable or even beneficial.

Here are some guiding principles:

• Watch the dog’s body language carefully. Signs of comfort include leaning in, relaxed body, soft eyes, tail wag that is mid‑height and loose. Signs of discomfort: stiff body, turning head away, whale eye, ears back, tucking tail, lip licking, yawning. If you see those, back off.

• Let the dog initiate or at least not resist. If a dog comes to you, leans in, or otherwise invites physical contact, that’s a better signal.

• Gentle, brief hugs are probably better than tight, long ones. Don’t “squeeze.”

• Avoid hugs in certain situations:

  • if the dog is already stressed or in a new, unfamiliar environment.

  • if the dog is in pain or has a medical condition.

  • when kids or strangers who don’t know the dog’s signals are involved (teaching them is important).

What This Means Overall: Is It “Good” to Hug Your Dog?

Putting it all together:

• For humans: yes, hugging your dog (or generally spending time and giving affectionate touch) can have mental health benefits — stress reduction, feelings of bonding, improved mood.

• For dogs: it depends a lot. Many dogs seem to find hugging uncomfortable or stressful. It’s not a universally positive experience for them.

So the answer is: sometimes yes, sometimes no — it depends on the individual dog, how you hug, and whether the dog is okay with it.

Practical Take‑Home Tips

Here are some actionable tips if you want to show affection in ways that are more likely to feel good for both of you:

Action	Likely better for the dog
Stroke or pet gentle areas (chest, shoulders, sides) when the dog is relaxed	✔
Let the dog come to you for affection	✔
Scratching behind ears, or soothing massages	usually good if the dog enjoys them
Snuggling, leaning, or cuddling in a way that allows them to move away	better than full wrap‑hug
Avoid hugging strangers' dogs or forcing hugs on dogs who don’t show interest	✔

In the end, whether hugging your dog is a good idea depends entirely on your dog’s individual personality, past experiences, and body language. While some dogs may tolerate or even enjoy gentle physical affection, many show signs of stress when hugged. Always observe your dog for subtle cues and prioritize consent over routine. If you’re looking for safe ways to bond with your pet, activities like petting, playing, or going on a walk may be more enjoyable. Understanding dog behavior, canine body language, and the best ways to show affection to dogs can help deepen your bond while keeping your furry friend comfortable. Whether you’re searching for dog hugging advice, why dogs don’t like hugs, or simply how to show love to your dog, the key is respecting their space and listening to what they’re telling you.