Oh dear - your dog actually hates this affectionate gesture


If you're a dog lover, you're probably keen to stay in this dog-shaped Airbnb and absolutely need to know what your dog dreams about (FYI, it's beyond adorable).
And there's nothing that makes your heart burst with love more than snuggling up to your pet pooch after a hard day in the office.
But there is one affectionate gesture that your dog actually doesn't love so much, and we can't quite believe it.
As reported by Her.ie, pet expert Sarah Bartlett explains: 'The wrong way to approach a dog is to walk up to them head on and just lean in for a head pat.
'The best thing is to approach them from the side and then go down.
'Keep your own bubble and their bubble, and it's then the dog's choice whether then encroach into your bubble. I'm crouched down sideways and all I'm going to do is offer my hand out. If the dog sniffs your hand, you should then give them a little scratch under the chin or the ear.
'Another thing to think about is if a dog rolls onto their back and shows their belly, we all love to give them a belly scratch.
'But what we all tend to do is maybe be a bit firm with it, but for most dogs this is too much.'
So now you know. When it comes to showing your dog just how much you love them, don't assume that they're all for a head scratch because they might not be enjoying it as much as you think they will.
Sob.
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

Jadie Troy-Pryde is News Editor, covering celebrity and entertainment, royal, lifestyle and viral news. Before joining the team in 2018 as the Lifestyle and Social Media Editor, she worked at a number of women’s fashion and lifestyle titles including Grazia, Women’s Health and Stylist, and now heads the Marie Claire UK news desk.
-
Creatine is set to be the most popular supplement of 2024 - how it promises to boost your strength, power and performance
So, is just for bodybuilders?
By Faima Bakar
-
'The Stevie' is the 70s-inspired haircut we anticipate we'll be seeing everywhere in 2024
Retro hair inspo this way
By Lucy Abbersteen
-
These 7 rollerball perfumes are micro-bag friendly—and they smell really, really good
And they provide exceptional value for money
By Rebecca Fearn