What way should one pet a dog to give them maximum pleasure?

Mel: What way should one pet a dog to give them maximum pleasure?
I’ve had dogs my whole life but I recently noticed other people pet them differently. I just scratch all over while other people pet and others mildly “rub”. What is the proper method? Thank you for answering.

Answers and Views:

Answer by DP
There is no proper way.. it’s whatever your dog prefers.

Answer by happy♥feet
This is a very interesting question. And by interesting I mean weird.

Answer by Lady Astrael
There is no proper method to petting, rubbing, scratching. Which ever way your dog enjoys it the most is fine with the both of you. Some people feel that rubbing too hard is hurtful to dogs but this is not so. I scratch one of my dogs hard because she likes it. The other likes to be petted softly, while third likes to be rubbed across her back. My fourth likes to be petted like a cat, it depends on the dog and the person. If your dog likes it and enjoys what you’re doing, don’t worry about how others do it, keep doing it the way you both like it.

Answer by Fixguy
Shouldn’t you be asking your dog? Are you here for his pleasure or the other way around? If he don’t like what you’re doing he wont want you to do it. When they stick to you like glue you must be doing something right. The enjoyment seems mutual in my house.

Answer by AlbertdaDog
On their chest between chin and front legs, they can’t reach there to scratch. Neighbor dog is hyperactive because it’s locked up all day. When they walk the poor thing is so happy to see a person he wiggles him self right off his own four feet. When I see them I let him sniff my hand til he simmers down a little then go down on one knee and rub his chest. He calms right down and the look on his face makes me smile. I can see deep in his eyes that he knows I am his friend. Try it!

Answer by Stripey Cat
I would say, scratching and rubbing hard – they’ll show you where by getting into the “right position”. It is what they do themselves, rubbing on the ground or against a tree.

Answer by pilota300b4
I just got done laughing at “Fixguy”‘s answer…..but I can safely say we are here for THEIR pleasure…we only THINK it’s the other way around…….anyway, regarding the petting…………I have found dog’s feelings to be very similar to human’s…sometimes they want a firm “petting”, if they’re frisky or playful; other times, if they’re a little sleepy or sad, a more gentle stroking……just like us, eh?……..but there IS one thing I have found that practically all dogs like…….the ear scratch!……place one hand on each side of Fido’s head, facing him/her, fingers underneath the ear where it joins their little head……then, very gently pressing in with the fingers, SCRATCH!!……that dog will fall in love with you!!

Answer by Isaiah T
my dog likes the ear and her chest and stomach

Answer by ProudPibbleMomma
I don’t really think there’s a “proper method” to giving animals love. It’s all about what you and your dog or other pet enjoy. I’ve had some dogs who preferred to be gently stroked, and some who really enjoyed an intense scratching. My APBT loves to be “spanked”! LOL!! She also really enjoys a good chest rub, right between her front legs. We’ve actually made up a song to go along with her chest rubs, because she just looks so dang cute when she stretches her neck as far as she can, cocks her head and rolls her eyes. Then out comes a big sigh as if she’s saying “Ahhhhh….” It’s actually quite funny. lol

Answer by Sammie
What ever seems to work for you, but my dog trainer had said start at the head and work down the back slowly but firmly to calm them down, also when they are sitting next you pat them on the opposite side so they lean into you, or if you want to raz them up roll them over and give their belly a good scratching (might only be my dog)