Now, let’s get serious for a second—briefly. Not all dogs want to be pet all the time. Some dogs have boundaries. If they turn away, yawn excessively, or have a stiff tail, that’s dog-speak for “Back off, buddy.” Respect it. Even the best cuddler needs personal space.
Petting a dog without reading their cues is like someone grabbing your face and saying, “SMILE!” It’s weird. So always let a dog sniff you first and ask permission. Good dog manners = more mutual oxytocin.
And remember: a scared dog might misinterpret a pat on the head as a threat. Always aim for the chest or side first. Save the top-of-head pats for your super-friendly, tail-wagging pal you know well.
