Is a hug really a hug?!
Written by Pam on January 15, 2015
Do we really understand our dog’s language?
There has been many articles written on how humans and canines have similar emotions but the body language for both humans and dogs is very different.
In the picture above, is Kissakee just playing with her water bowl or is she trying to tell me to put some water in it? Seeing that she just ate her breakfast, I would presume she needs a little water now but it can all be a game she is playing with the other dogs. There are many toys outside to play with but her favorite (lately) is running around with the water bowl – the largest (toy) out in the yard.
We try to learn from our dogs as they are trying constantly to understand our hand gestures or certain words they hear over and over again.
After some debate with my breeder friends, I truly do not think that a hug as we know a hug is the same when a dog experiences a hug from a human. Think about it when we hug, we are normally above the dog and leaning forward to give the hug which is in the dog’s space. It is perceived that the dog enjoys the hug but I think they actually enjoy the closeness that the human is displaying to them not the physical act of hugging, holding on to them and invading their space. I think what the dog allows and experiences – at least here at HGT – the feeling of closeness of the gentle human touch. When a dog is obedient, they have already learned that the human touch is wonderful – So why am I writing this blog – because it is so very important to enjoy and handle your puppy all the time now that it is growing and learning. We always want our pups to enjoy the human touch!
PS: The “Water Bowl” game that Kissakee seems to play – is happening each morning – so I am relatively certain it is Kissakee’s newly created doggie game! We just caught her with her new frisbee flyer!
Below is another beautiful poem that I just read and wanted to share with you. Enjoy, Pam
If only dogs could speak. by: Margaret Haig
If only dogs could speak, I’m sure they’d give you cheek,
They would let you know a thing or two, and be a sticky beak;
If only dogs could talk, if only they could write, they’d use chalk,
Follow you observe you, but sneakily you they’d stalk,
If only they could let you know, then we’d get told we’d be put away;
Cause we are so cheeky. In what we say.
If only dogs could chatter, to let you know they matter,
If only dogs could explain why when they drink but they splatter;
If only dogs could write a book, it’d be quite explanatory,
They’d start giving reason, and end up in a story,
They’d let you know ins and outs of their family history.
If only The dog could cry out, they rant and rave and complain,
That the mums should say we were bad, to them we are a strain;
And dads should say they’re sorry they deserve to be in the dog house,
They’d talk about dads socks they chew, how the taste is really gross;
And say don’t blame them for growling, at their mirrored reflection,
If only dogs could discuss, they’d teach us kindness and cheer,
They’d say they’re not spending money, they don’t waste on beer,
If only they could speak up, they don’t want to be treated bad,
It would make them to settle appreciate their love each day;
And say sorry we will try harder, in a more caring way.
margaret haig