Dogs are man’s best friend, and what could be better than getting a hug from your best friend? Dogs are amazing animals that provide us humans with unconditional love, and one way to show love is through hugging. Hugging your dog will also help create a strong bond between you and your pup.

Some dogs love to hug, while others may view it as an invasion of their personal space. For dogs that will allow it, teaching your dog to hug you can be a stress reliever, and in this guide, we’ll list 4 simple ways to teach your dog to hug.

Before You Start

Not all dogs like hugs, and you must be aware of your dog’s temperament before you start. For unaffectionate dogs, you’ll probably want to refrain from teaching this trick, as you don’t want your dog to be uncomfortable and go into defense mode. Trying to hug your dog may frighten them because your dog may feel trapped, which may result in aggression. However, you know your dog best, and if your dog is affectionate, you should be ok to give it a try.

The 4 Tips & Tricks to Teach Your Dog to Hug You

1. Have Your Dog Sit

Most dogs can accomplish sitting fairly easily. Odds are, your dog already knows this trick, so we’ll skip ahead. In this initial step, have your dog sit in front of you as you kneel in front of your dog, but don’t reward them with a treat just yet. Let your dog know you have a treat in your hand for motivation, such as showing the treat in your hand and then placing your hand behind your neck. For those who have not trained their dog to sit, you can follow these steps.

2. Teach Your Dog to Sit Pretty

As with many things training, learning behaviors is easier when built upon one another, such is the case of the “sit pretty” behavior and the “hug.” The great thing about training your dog to hug using this sequence is that your dog will already be used to the position and have the muscle memory for it, so you won’t be manipulating them in the position.

You can learn how to teach your dog to sit pretty right here. We want to note that you should avoid this behavior and the hug altogether if your dog is a senior or has a medical condition that may cause pain with this or the subsequent steps.

3. Get Close to Your Dog

While your dog is in the “sit pretty” position, carefully approach them until both paws are close or on your shoulders. Once the paws are on your shoulders, you can carefully wrap both arms around them and place your hands on their back. Say your marker word: “Good,” “ok,” or “up,” or use your clicker if your dog is clicker trained. Slowly move back and reward your dog.

4. Introduce the Cue

The next step will be to introduce the cue. After the “sit pretty” behavior, you will have to give your dog the “sit pretty” command, and once the dog is in position, immediately follow it with the cue “hug” and move toward them to assume the hug position. Click or use your marker cue and reinforce it with a treat.

5. Repeat This and Work on Extending the Time

The next step is to gradually increase the time your dog hugs you. After several repetitions, dogs will start to understand what behavior is expected from the cue “hug,” and eventually, you can also start skipping the “sit pretty” cue. This will happen naturally, but you shouldn’t rush it. Teaching a dog new tricks takes time and patience, but with persistence, your dog will be giving out hugs in no time. The key is to repeat the steps over and over until your dog is comfortable and knows what’s expected.

How Can I Teach My Small Dog to Hug?

In order to teach your dog to hug, you need to get down to their level so that you’re face to face. For small dogs, this can be accomplished by sitting on the couch or some other object. Once you’re at eye level, repeat the steps mentioned above.

How to Know Your Dog Doesn’t Like Hugs

As we’ve mentioned, not all dogs like hugs and it’s imperative to know if your dog will be down with it or not. Certain signs to watch for include your dog turning their head away from you, flattened ears, raising a paw, lip licking, yawning, and the most serious, showing their teeth.

What Dog Breeds Enjoy Hugs the Most?

Some dogs are naturally more people-pleasing than others and will more than likely enjoy hugs. Some of these dog breeds include the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Great Dane, Beagle, English Bulldog, Boxer, Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Pug, Bichon Frise, Greyhound, and Jack Russell Terriers. However, it is very important to note that a dog’s behavior is more shaped by their experience and past history than by their breed. So in the end, it will depend on that and your abilities to shape their behavior and win their confidence by using operant conditioning training methods based on positive reinforcement, just like the one we described above.

Conclusion

Remember that not all dogs enjoy hugs. Some may take it as a threat and get defensive, which could result in a bite. You know your dog the best, and you’ll need to use your best judgment before teaching your dog to hug. Every dog is different with its own unique personality and history—some will like hugs, and others will not.

Never force your dog to hug you, but rather, teach them how it can be a very enjoyable activity for the both of you. Also, do not squeeze your dog too hard, and always supervise children around dogs, especially if they’re trying to hug the dog without the dog’s consent. You should always teach any child in your home to never approach a dog in this way, as it could turn into a dangerous situation.

• See also: How to Teach a Dog to Shake In 10 Steps

Featured Image Credit: Shift Drive, Shutterstock