Some dogs don’t enjoy being touched – Toni Shelbourne explains why, and lists some reasons that might cause a dog’s reluctance to being handled…
What happens if your dog doesn’t enjoy being touched? There are many reasons a dog may be reluctant to physical contact either in a particular area of the body or in general.
Pain – many dogs have undiagnosed pain in their body. There is no test for pain in animals, and unlike humans, they can’t verbalise their hurt. A study in 2020 speculated that up to 82% of dogs showing behaviour problems were a result of discomfort. Chronic pain may not have a central area like an acute lameness, so don’t rule it out. Speak to a veterinary pain specialist if you suspect this is the reason your dog doesn’t enjoy touch.
Fear/anxiety – if your dog has come from a difficult background, like living on the streets or from a puppy farm as an ex-breeder, he may have experienced trauma around body contact. Either through rough handling or being trapped with a catch pole, for example.
Overhandling – many of us overhandle our dogs without understanding enough about canine communication to know what doggy etiquette is, and what is rude, in the dog’s view. Looming over a dog, coming at them from the front with harnesses, hugging and kissing, can all be challenging for some dogs. Try slowing your actions down when touching, or changing your body position to be behind and to the side of him when you put equipment on. Just a few simple adjustments can make a world of difference.
Age – certain life stages can play a big factor in touch sensitivity. Teenage dogs often go through a period of body sensitivity. If you have an older dog, it might be related to discomfort.
Ways to initiate touch
If you are concerned about how your dog reacts to handling, the first port of call should always be your vet. Take as much evidence with you as possible – videos of him moving, notes on where he objects to being touched, and if it happens at a particular time of day. Note down changes in how he moves, behaviour changes, capability, and posture.
Your vet may suggest a pain relief trial; if so, ask for at least 12 weeks. From a behavioural standpoint, this is important and recommended by canine neuroscientists.
You c
