Dogs might be man’s best friend, but that doesn’t mean they’re into cuddling. According to a new study from the University of British Columbia, they despise being hugged by humans.
A hug can be perceived by dogs as a trap or a cage, according to scientists.
The university’s animal psychologists analyzed 250 photographs of pups being embraced by their owners, and found that 80 percent of the animals looked stressed, anxious and visibly uncomfortable, the Telegraph reports.
Dr. Stanley Coren, the scientist responsible for the study, says part of the problem is that dogs are born runners.
“Depriving a dog of [the ability to run] by immobilizing him with a hug can increase his stress level and, if the dog’s anxiety becomes significantly intense, he may bite,” Coren told Psychology Today.
“A hug might be a normal social greeting for humans, but it isn’t for a dog,” said Claire Matthews, senior canine behaviorist at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in London.
“When you hug a dog it usually shows signs of stress because [you’re invading] their personal space,” she told the Telegraph. “A person putting two arms around the neck of a dog can be interpreted as being intimidating, and means that it can’t move away from the situation it is uncomfortable with.”
As much as a dog might feel like part of the family, don’t treat him like a child.
Go easy on the puppy love.