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I had a man asked me the other day on our walk if my pug liked a belly scratch. I told him “yes, she sure does- every chance she gets.” He laughed and said he used to have a pug, but the pug would never let him scratch his belly. I was surprised. I don’t think I’ve ever met a pug who didn’t love to roll over and get his/her belly scratched… but it made me think.. so I’m writing a post about this.
I did some research on this subject and come to find out, there are dog (and pugs) who don’t care to have their bellies scratched. I’m glad I got one who does.
Your dog will let you know if he/she wants a belly scratch by:
** Laying down beside you and rolling over on his/her belly. This is a sign that your dog feels comfortable with you and trusts you.
**He/she will not be tense or act scared. Your dog will look and act relaxed. His/her tail should be wagging.
**If your dog wants his belly scratched, they might act playful. Sometimes my pug (Molly) will want me to play with her before she actually rolls over for her belly scratch.
Dogs also sometimes present their stomachs to humans out of fear or submission. If a dog is lying with his/her stomach exposed, but looks tense, don’t give them a belly scratch- the dog may growl or bite you if you try to touch it. Dog’s who are fearful most likely won’t move after his stomach is exposed. They will be in a hunched position and will have his tail tucked between it’s legs.
Don’t force your dog to get a belly rub. You can rub his/her back and ask if they want a belly rub. Sometimes, I rub my hand up on Molly’s belly when she’s standing up. If she wants a belly rub, she will immediately flop down and roll over. Don’t try to flip your dog over quickly to give him/her a belly rub- it will scare your dog. Forcing a belly rub just causes mistrust so let it be his/her idea.
When your dog does roll over and looks relaxed, rub his belly. Do it gently because the stomach is a sensitive area. Sometimes, when I scratch Molly’s belly, she’ll kick one of her feet. She has a ticklish spot on her belly. Try rubbing in circular motions, in small short motions or in long motions up and down the stomach. Also, it’s a good time to look for any unusual knots or bumps on your dog’s stomach/leg areas.
When your dog is done and wants up, the belly scratch is over. Don’t force them to stay there and get a longer belly scratch. Sometimes, Molly loves a long belly scratch and other times, it’s just for a few minutes. Sometimes, she doesn’t want a belly scratch at all. Your dog will let you know what he wants. Listen to them!! Also, take advantage of other places you can scratch your dog- like his ears, his back, his neck or chest.
Dogs normally love belly scratches, but just make sure it’s his idea. It’s something you can do to show your dog you love him. He/she will love it just as much as you do. Molly closes her eyes and just lays back and relaxes when I scratch her belly. Watch your dog’s reaction- you can tell if he is loving it or if he/she is uncomfortable.
Go give YOUR dog a belly scratch!!
Until next time,
Hugs and Pug Kisses,
Candy
