Hugs?

[Roxy'sGirl]

Since she was about 6 months old, Roxy has been working on an interesting habit. The first time it happened, I thought it was really cute. We were out for a walk and I was talking away to her, and she started talking back! Woo woo-ing away, she started bumping my hand and my leg with her nose. Finally I stopped, not knowing what she was up to, and when I bent over to make sure everything was okay, she put both paws up on my shoulders and started licking my face. I thought it was absolutely adorable, and told her those were good hugs. This trait has continued to now (13 months), and I'm curious as to whether this is a dominance thing or not. I've notice in the past month or so, she has become a bit aggressive with other dogs, and now I'm reading The Dog Listener, so I'm wondering if she thinks she's the Alpha. Any thoughts on this? And also, is it possible to keep those hugs and still maintain Alpha status?

 

[Tulsa-Dan]

I don't see this as a dominance issue. More of an affection/attention issue.

My girls get their hugs too. But I turned it into "hugs on command" in that I say, "Susie, come give daddy a hug" and she puts her legs around my waist and we cuddle. She likes to put her head under my arm and me to scratch her neck and ears. Then Maggie. Same thing.

They know I am Leader of this pack and I continue to spoil them regularly because they have EARNED it with their good behavior.

Good luck and enjoy those hugs.

 

[Az Boxr Lovr]

Joe does the same thing that Dan described. We say "Joey, hug" and then he holds onto us with his legs while we scratch and kiss his head.
Cheryl

 

[Linda/NJ]

Ginger only gives her Dad hugs. I have yet to get a hug, I am a little jealous

Linda & Ginger

 

[kelseighgirl]

Reading this makes me giggle.
Justice is the same with hugs. He just started out of the blue. If I kneel down he will put one paw on one shoulder and one on the other and lay his face along the side of mine. We call this "huggies". I can say "Justice give me huggies" and through the ritual we go.
I think it is the cutiest thing.
He isnt picky, he will give "huggies" to everybody.

Linda,
Justice will give you all the hugs you want!!!

 

[basak]

Krose is a kisser more than a hugger:D

I say, come give mommy a kiss and he starts licking my face He's adorable. He doesn't give his daddy that many kisses hah ha!! :D

basak