Do Goldens like to hug

Why Do Goldendoodles Hug?

Our favorite dog, Lexie, our Goldendoodle, loves to hug. She loves sharing snuggle hugs with our children and us. Throughout the time we have had her, we have learned a lot about this breed. One thing we have learned about Lexie and other Goldendoodles is that they are loving and affectionate. Like a warm, welcoming committee at the front door or that best friend you love spending time with, they the perfect companion dog. While many people know dogs can be affectionate and loving, many dont realize that some dog breeds love to share hugs. In this article, we hope to enlighten others on why Goldendoodles like to hug.

Please take a moment to read what we have shared. We hope you enjoy it.

Why do Goldendoodles hug?

Why do Goldendoodles hug? Goldendoodles hug for a variety of reasons that can be as individual as the dog themselves. Part of the reason they hug and love to share affection is that this breed was bred to be a companion animal. Other reasons can include a need for them to stay connected and close to their owner or family. They may hug for comfort and security or because they are seeking praise.

This affectionate behavior is positive and should be reinforced to create a healthy bond. Hugging can encourage good behavior, emotional and physical health for both the dog and their owner or family members. For those potential dog owners who want an affectionate, loving, and friendly dog, this breed is perfect!

The Goldendoodle is a dog that was bred to be a companion animal. This breeding helps make them love, be affectionate, and friendly to all. Their breed background, which boasts some attractive characteristics, is gentle, caring, and closely bonded with those they love. Both breeds that make up their background make amazing therapy and assistance dogs.

These characteristics and their teddy bear appearance can make it super easy for us humans to fall in love with this breed. They make fantastic companions and friends with us!

Their breed background and the characteristics that each dog breed has, makes them want to stay connected and close to their owner or family. This close connection is what helps keep them happy, healthy, and behaving well. It also helps them respond in kind to the needs and wants of those around them.

Like a parent and child, certain dog breeds thrive best when they are close to their parent. Closeness for the Goldendoodle can provide them with the emotional security and comfort they long for.

This closeness allows them to have their needs and wants to be met sooner. If they are hungry, nervous, thirsty, wanting to play, or need a walk, they are more likely to receive.

The same can be said for praise. If they want personal attention in recognition for good behaviors, then hugs and closeness can provide that when words are not offered.

Another reason that Goldendoodles hug is that it feels good and helps keep them calm. Like a ring that goes full circle, the sharing of hugs goes both ways and is endless.

During stressful situations or when the Goldendoodle feels anxious or nervous, they may like to share hugs for comfort. Sometimes a Goldendoodle can be so connected to their family that they pick up on the emotions of the family members. This can be a great way for them to share hugs and to ease the tension.

The basis for their hugs and close connection is to give and receive love and attention.

Is it possible that a Goldendoodle will not hug or show affection?

Yes, it is always possible that a dog will be less affectionate and chose not to show as much affection through hugging or other behaviors.

Regardless of their breed, each dog is an individual, and with that comes a unique personality, temperament, and character. This individuality means that the Goldendoodle may like more affection than another dog or less.

This individuality will shine through from one day and situation to the next. If they are having a bad day, they may want more hugs. If they are having a great day the Goldendoodle may be content to just hang out and not share many hugs.

There can be many factors that play into why a dog is affectionate, just like humans.

Should a Goldendoodle be encouraged to hug?

Yes, a Goldendoodle should be encouraged to hug. Just like humans, a Goldendoodle or other dog needs affection and love from those they love. It is also healthy for them to show love and devotion to those they care about most.

For a Goldendoodle, sharing affection can keep and improve their health on many levels regardless of the dogs age.

Goldendoodle puppies thrive in a loving environment where they are comfortable showing and receiving affection.

Adult Goldendoodles maintain health and happiness through positive reinforcement from affection and hugs. Senior Goldendoodles or dogs with illnesses and injuries also benefit from giving and sharing hugs and love. Their need for these shared moments can help keep them healthy, strong, and living longer.

Is too much hugging or affection from a Goldendoodle a bad thing?

No, hugs and affection are not considered a bad thing. There are some situations where too much can become a bad thing for dog and parent.

Occasionally a dog will be a bit over the top with the amount of love, hugs, and affection they like to share. These moments can become stressful for everyone involved if the Goldendoodle finds it hard to function in their daily life, or if the Goldendoodle creates an unhealthy situation for their owner or family member.

These situations can sometimes show up in families during times of stress or negativity. If for some reason, a Goldendoodle suddenly starts needing constant contact with their family where they become like a Velcro fur baby, it may be time to access its cause.

Situations can arise if the Goldendoodle is sick or has suddenly experienced a change in their environment, and they are attempting to adjust. Perhaps the family moved into a new house, maybe a baby was born into the family, or it could be something so simple as their dog food was changed.

Goldendoodles are loving and friendly, and generally considered well-adjusted dogs, so this shouldnt be a problem for most in this breed.

Should this happen, spending some extra time figuring out the problem while offering that moral support and connection can help them adjust. If, after a bit of time, nothing is discovered and the clinginess continues, consulting their vet might be best.

In any case, should a Goldendoodles affection and love be too much to handle at any given moment due to unforeseen human issues, offer as much love and affection as possible to the Goldendoodle but understand that this also will pass.

What are the ways to encourage hugging and affection in a Goldendoodle?

One of the easiest ways to encourage hugging and affection in a Goldendoodle is to provide ample love and attention. Whether spontaneous or scheduled, making time for affectionate moments with a fur baby increases more of the same.

If a Goldendoodle knows they are loved and that hugs and love from them are welcomed, they are more than willing to share.

Sharing hugs in the morning before getting out of bed, snuggles and hugs while watching the TV, and a good cuddle session before bed fit easily into almost everyones day. For those who prefer to share spontaneous moments with their fur baby, being fully aware of every days potential can help increase this time spent.

Is it suitable for a Goldendoodle owner to have boundaries?

Yes, it is suitable for a Goldendoodle owner to have boundaries. Having boundaries is what creates a healthy life for everyone. These boundaries come from us, knowing who we are and help us healthily connect with others.

Setting boundaries for a Goldendoodle is part of their training.

By having boundaries with a Goldendoodle, we can set limits to what we find acceptable or not from their behavior. This teaches them how to live with us and those in our family.

If every day after work you like to come home and share a quick hug with them before unwinding on our own, it is okay to do so. In life, we must attend to our needs as well to be healthy and happy pet parents.

Eventually, with time a Goldendoodle will learn who their parents are and how they should behave around them. Insist on healthy boundaries in a loving but firm way that teaches them expectations. It will create a happy and healthy home life and an excellent relationship between parent and dog.

In Conclusion

Hugs and affection are part of any healthy relationship. These behaviors should be encouraged in a Goldendoodle or any dog breed because they foster close and healthy connections.

Why a Goldendoodle hugs can be as individual as the dog itself, the WHY doesnt necessarily matter. The sharing of love and affection with a fur baby is all that matters!

So, grab a comfortable seat and settle in for some affectionate one on one time with that fur baby; it might just keep you healthy!

Do Golden Retrievers Like To Be Hugged? [7 Things You Need To Know!]

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Its a question that is often asked by new or soon-to-be Golden Retriever owners, Do Golden Retrievers Like To Be Hugged?

Hugging one another is a human gesture of affection. Naturally, you want to show your affection towards your Golden Retriever by hugging them.

Dogs in general do not like being hugged. But, anyone who owns a Golden Retriever knows that this breed is very loving and affectionate, and would likely enjoy being hugged, right?

Keep reading to find out the answer to this commonly asked question.

Do Golden Retrievers Like To Be Hugged?

Golden Retrievers do not like being hugged. Giving a big bear hug to your Golden Retriever can make them feel stressed and anxious. Hugging is not a natural form of affection for dogs and can be interpreted as a form of aggression, dominance and a violation of physical space. However, this breed is known to be very loving and affectionate, and would likely TOLERATE being hugged by their owners more than any other breed. Try giving your Golden some belly rubs and ear scratches to show your affection instead!

1. Hugging Your Golden Retriever May Cause Stress & Anxiety

I am certain that you have already hugged your Golden Retriever. I mean how could you resist? All of that cute and cuddly adorable fluff that is your Golden Retriever!

Im guilty of it too! I have hugged my Golden Retriever, and continue to do so. My Golden has learned to tolerate hugs.

But, what makes you happy and feeling loved is not exactly the same for your dog.

Giving your Golden Retriever a big warm embrace may actually be stressing them out and causing anxiety.

Heres how your Golden Retriever interprets a hug:

• Hugging makes your Golden feel trapped like they cant escape.

• Having your arms around them makes them feel confined.

• Hugging is an unnatural feeling to them.

• Hugging is a violation of their personal space.

• Hugging is a move for dominance or aggression.

2. Signs That Your Golden Retriever Hates Being Hugged

While there are some Golden Retrievers that like being hugged, or should I say tolerate it, most of them hate it!

According to the American Kennel Club, dogs that are trained as therapy dogs tolerate being hugged. But the majority of dogs do not like this interaction.

Here is how you can tell if your Golden Retriever hates being hugged:

• Their body becomes stiff and tense.

• They tuck their tail, showing signs of being scared.

• Your Golden tries to run away from the person trying to hug them.

• They move their head away from you while being hugged.

• Their eyes get bigger, and you can see the whites of their eyes. Also known as moon eyes.

• Your Golden growls or tries to bite.

If you notice any of these signs which are related to fear and anxiety, its time to back off and stop hugging your dog.

3. Can I Train My Golden Retriever To Enjoy Being Hugged?

Training your Golden Retriever to enjoy being hugged is easier to do when they are a puppy. They tend to get used to this behaviour and learn to tolerate it. Some may even grow to enjoy being hugged.

However, you can train your adult Golden to enjoy being hugged as well.

As long as you start off slow and always use positive reinforcement, your Golden will get used to being hugged and may even enjoy it or at least tolerate it.

Here are the steps to take:

• Have some treats on hand.

• Start by sitting next to your dog who is sitting as well.

• Place one hand on your dogs back, and give a gentle rub. Reward with a treat.

• Slowly move one arm around your dog.

• Continue moving your arm around your dog, and reward with a treat.

• Wrap both arms around your dog, essentially giving them a hug. Every time you move in closer to your dog, reward them with a treat.

• Eventually, your dog will associate being hugged with something positive like getting treats.

Training your Golden to get used to being hugged can come in handy, especially when you need to hold your dog still at the vets office or at the groomers.

Keep in mind that your dog may tolerate being hugged by you, but will likely not tolerate any hugs from strangers.

4. Signs That Your Golden Retriever Enjoys Being Hugged

Golden Retrievers will do pretty much anything for a treat, and that includes being hugged.

But, if you really want to know if your Golden actually enjoys the hug and not just the treat afterwards, here are some signs to look out for:

• Your Goldens body is relaxed.

• Their mouth is open and they are panting calmly.

• Their tail is wagging loose and relaxed.

• They are leaning into you.

• They put their paw on you.

5. Helpful Tips To Hug Your Golden Retriever The Right Way

If you really must hug your Golden Retriever, be sure to follow these tips:

• Never approach your dog from behind. It can startle them.

• Teach kids not to hug, especially if your Golden is not used to being hugged, or hates being hugged. Your Golden may bite out of fear.

• Keep the hugs quick and short.

• Always read your dogs body language, to be sure if you should or shouldnt hug your dog!

• Never hug your dog if they absolutely hate it! Show your affection in another way.

6. Golden Retrievers Like To Cuddle, Rather Than Being Hugged

Golden Retrievers love to be loved! The more love you give them, the more they will give you in return.

This breed is known to be very cuddly and affectionate. But cuddling should not be confused with being hugged.

They prefer to snuggle up next to you whether its on the couch or your bed, and some even go as far as laying on your lap.

When youre feeling sick or sad, this breed just seems to sense that and lays next to you in hopes of cheering you up.

Cuddling makes both you and your Golden feel good. It strengthens your bond as well as releases the love hormone called oxytocin. This same hormone is released when you and your dog gaze into each others eyes.

So instead of wrapping your arms around your Golden Retriever in a hug, show your affection by spending quality time together.

Offer plenty of belly rubs, ear scratches, and do the things your Golden enjoys the most.

You will be rewarded with plenty of love in return!

This short video below explains the reasons why Goldens are such cuddle bugs:

7. Golden Retrievers Have An Infinite Need To Be Touched

One thing every Golden Retriever owner is aware of is how much their Golden loves to be petted! And I mean petted constantly!

Just stop petting your Golden Retriever for a minute, and I can guarantee that your Golden will paw at you. This is your Goldens way of telling you to keep petting them, and how dare you stop! Lol!

This breed loves to be touched. Petting them, rubbing their ears, butt scratches and belly rubs seem to be what they demand and love the most.

You may give in and decide to go in for a hug, but thats not what your Golden is asking for. Affection in the form of petting is what they are really after.

Final Thoughts

As hard as it is to resist hugging your sweet Golden Retriever, it is probably for the best. Golden Retrievers really dont enjoy being hugged. Some may tolerate it because they have a close bond with you, but the majority hate it.

You can train your Golden to get used to being hugged, but why not show your affection in other ways. Belly rubs, ear scratches, and spending time with you is what your Golden really wants!

Does your Golden Retriever enjoy being hugged? Can you resist hugging your Golden Retriever? Perhaps you have a Golden Retriever that likes to give hugs.

Share your thoughts and comments below. I would love to hear from you!

I am the proud owner of a Golden Retriever named Ellie. She keeps me busy, and when she is resting, you can find me working on my blog. She is always close by though. I live in Stirling, ON Canada with my husband, and we both enjoy the never a dull moment life with our Ellie.