New Study Reveals That Dogs Don't Like To Be Hugged Or Cuddled. OMG.

New Study Reveals That Dogs Don't Like To Be Hugged Or Cuddled. OMG.

A new study has just come to reveal that dogs don’t like to be hugged or cuddled because it makes them feel ‘caged’ and increases their stress levels. Say what?

We’ve all heard the saying “a dog is a man’s best friend”, but according to the new study, they’re just best friends, not hug or cuddle buddies. The new study from the University of British Columbia states that dogs don’t like to be hugged by humans. According to their scientists, dogs feel trapped or caged when they’re hugged or cuddled. But how did they arise to this understanding?

Animal psychologists from the university studied 250 photographs of pups being hugged by their owners and they found that 80% of the pups looked stressed, anxious and visibly uncomfortable. Dr. Stanley Coren, the scientist responsible for the study, said that part of the problem is because dogs are born runners.

He said, “Depriving a dog of by immobilizing him with a hug can increase his stress level and, if the dog’s anxiety becomes significantly intense, he may bite.” Claire Matthews, senior canine behaviorist at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in London said, “A hug might be a normal social greeting for humans, but it isn’t for a dog.”

She added, “When you hug a dog it usually shows signs of stress because their personal space. 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.” I really don’t know what to think of this now, do you?

Let us know what you think about this new study and don’t forget to SHARE it with your friends too.

Feature Image Source: Flickr

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