Understanding The Canine Way
You know the scene well; you’ve just finished giving your dog a thorough, satisfying petting session and as you draw your hand away, they start to shake vigorously, as if they’ve just come out of a lake. Why do dogs do this?
It’s not that they didn’t enjoy your affection – far from it. Dogs have their unique reasons for shaking off after a petting session.
The Wet Dog Shake
Firstly, you need to understand the purpose of the ‘wet dog’ shake. Just as the name suggests, dogs shake their bodies to get rid of excess water on their coat. This behavior is ingrained in them from their wild ancestors, who needed to keep their coats dry to avoid hypothermia. So, when you pet your dog and apply pressure on their fur, their instinct tells them to shake off, just as if they were wet.
Shaking Off Stress
Another possible explanation is that dogs shake off to relieve stress. It’s a calming mechanism similar to how we humans might take a deep breath or even shake our heads to clear our thoughts after a stressful event. If your dog is shaking after you pet them, it may be because they found the experience stressful, especially if they are not used to being petted.
Communication Tool
Remember, dogs communicate differently from us. A dog shaking its body can also be a way of communicating with you or other dogs. They might be trying to show that they’re done with the petting session and want to do something else.
Behavioral Habit
Lastly, shaking off might just be a behavioral habit for your dog. Dogs are creatures of habit and if they’ve picked up the habit of shaking after being petted, they’ll likely continue to do so.
Health Concerns
While shaking off after petting is usually nothing to worry about, excessive shaking could indicate a health issue. If your dog is shaking a lot, it would be best to get them checked by a vet.
| Possible Reasons for Shaking | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Wet Dog Shake | Understand it’s a natural instinct |
| Shaking Off Stress | Try to make petting more relaxing |
| Communication | Respect their wish to end the session |
| Behavioral Habit | No actions required |
| Health Concerns | Visit the vet |
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Is it normal for dogs to shake after being petted?
Yes, it’s completely normal unless it’s excessive and coupled with signs of discomfort. -
Does shaking mean my dog didn’t enjoy the petting?
Not necessarily. Dogs might just be communicating that they’re done with the session. -
Should I stop petting my dog if they shake afterwards?
No need to stop unless they show signs of distress or discomfort during the session. -
How can I make my dog more comfortable with petting?
Be gentle, respect their boundaries and gradually increase the duration of petting sessions.
Remember, every dog is unique and might react differently to petting. Your job as a caregiver is to understand their language and respond accordingly. Happy petting!
