This article was co-authored by John Jess and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. John Jess is a Dog Breeder and the Founder of Central Illinois Doodles, a family business located in Arthur, Illinois. He specializes in breeding Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles. Central Illinois Doodles has been named one of the Top 10 Bernedoodle breeders in the United States by Bubbly Pet and Pupvine. They’ve also been named one of the best Goldendoodle breeders by Trending Breeds and Devoted to Dog.
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Wondering if dogs are ticklish? Trying to get a laugh out of your pup? Believe it or not, people and dogs have a lot in common—including the ability to be tickled. However, while you may enjoy the occasional tickle fight, your dog may not find this sensation enjoyable. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to your dog’s reaction when you tickle or pet them. If they shy away, leave them alone; if they wag their tail and beg for more, keep on tickling! In this article we’ll explain how dogs experience tickling, where dogs are ticklish, and how you can know if they’re having fun or not.
Things You Should Know
- Dogs are ticklish, but not in the “belly tickle laughing” kind of way. Some dogs enjoy being tickled, but many do not.
- Pay attention to your dog’s body language when you tickle them to see if they enjoy it or not. A dog will let you know if they’re having fun.
- The best spots to tickle a dog are behind the ears, under the chin, and between their front legs. These are almost always good spots, but know that they might not work for every dog.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Tips
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If you tickle a puppy and they urinate, they’re probably just super excited. If they seem scared, they’re just being submissive and they need a confidence boost.[16]Thanks
Expert Interview
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Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about dog training, check out our in-depth interview with Ovidiu Stoica.
References
- ↑ http://charris.ucsd.edu/articles/Harris_EHB2012.pdf
- ↑ https://news.yahoo.com/dogs-ticklish-know-scratching-good-193125582.html
- ↑ https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/dog-behavior/dog-psychology/are-dogs-ticklish
- ↑ https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/dog-behavior/dog-psychology/are-dogs-ticklish
- ↑ https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/dog-behavior/dog-psychology/are-dogs-ticklish
- ↑ https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/dog-behavior/dog-psychology/where-do-dogs-like-to-be-pet
- ↑ https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/dog-behavior/dog-psychology/are-dogs-ticklish
- ↑ https://www.pettsie.com/blogs/blog/7-best-spots-where-dogs-love-to-be-scratched
- ↑ https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/dog-behavior/dog-psychology/where-do-dogs-like-to-be-pet
- ↑ https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/dog-behavior/dog-psychology/where-do-dogs-like-to-be-pet
- ↑ https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/dog-behavior/dog-psychology/where-do-dogs-like-to-be-pet
- ↑ https://www.pawschicago.org/news-resources/all-about-dogs/doggy-basics/canine-senses
- ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/why-does-my-dog-like-to-have-his-belly-rubbed
- ↑ https://www.science.org/content/article/when-your-dog-rolls-over-it-does-not-mean-what-you-think-it-means
- ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/why-does-my-dog-like-to-have-his-belly-rubbed
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/dog-puppy-pees-when-excited/