You’re likely already familiar with puppy dog eyes. You know, the ultimate secret behind that irresistible, heart-melting expression our dogs gift us with every day.
Perhaps, they’re the ultimate reason that makes us hand over our last bite of steak, let our pups sleep on the couch again, and forgive them for shredding our sneakers.
But what exactly are puppy dog eyes, and how did dogs evolve to deploy them so masterfully? Let’s discover more about a dog’s expressive eyes and how they mastered the subtle art of persuasion.
What Are Puppy Dog Eyes?
Puppy dog eyes are ultimately the secret behind your dog’s soulful expression. Dogs are known for having very expressive eyes, but what makes them attractive to us humans? Maybe it’s the fact that they’re capable of moving the muscles of their eyebrows.
This happens courtesy of the dog’s levator anguli oculi medialis (LAOM) muscle. This muscle is responsible for raising the dogs’ inner eyebrow. This muscle has been believed to have evolved as a direct result of domestication.
If we carefully watch our dogs, we will notice how they move their eyebrows in a variety of contexts. We this when they’re shifting their gaze, expressing emotions, and interacting with humans.
Stanley Coren, in the book How To Speak Dog, explains how eyebrow movements can signal emotions such as perplexity and concentration, anger and fear.
What’s interesting is that a groundbreaking study by Juliane Kaminski found that dogs produce more facial expressions when a human is facing them, compared to when a human is turned away.
This tells us that their expressions are socially driven behaviors meant to capture human attention. The most commonly observed (and cherished) movement? The famous inner eyebrow raise, which makes our dog’s eyes ultimately appear larger and more infant-like. This is a trait that us humans find overwhelmingly endearing.
Who can resist those puppy dog eyes?
The Evolutionary Advantage of Facial Expressions
Earlier research by Waller et al demonstrated that shelter dogs who frequently raised their inner eyebrows were adopted faster.
This suggests that dogs with expressive faces had a selective advantage in human environments whether through breeding choices or simply by winning the hearts of more potential adopters.
The more often dogs made facial movements that resulted in raising their inner eyebrows, the quicker dogs were rehomed.
This makes one wonder whether dogs have learned to use their facial expressions as a way of getting what they want (human attention) or whether this is just a trait that dogs have been selectively bred for throughout the years.
Did you know? Research by Nagasawa et al revealed that upon noticing the owner’s arrival, dogs moved their left eyebrows for about half a second, suggesting a positive social emotion. They failed to move their eyebrows though in response to attractive toys or when strangers greeted the dog.
This suggests that certain eyebrow movements may be hardwired signals of affection and social bonding, rather than purely strategic manipulations.
Are Dogs Aware of Their “Eye Power?”
At this point, you may be wondering: do dogs consciously use their facial expressions to manipulate humans? Or has this become an automatic behavior due to selective breeding?
While we cannot say for certain, the fact that dogs exhibit these expressions more when humans are watching, seems to strongly suggest that dogs must understand their impact.
However, a new 2024 study from Baylor University seems to suggest that puppy dog eyes aren’t a clever evolutionary trick designed to manipulate humans, as we thought Turns out, coyotes can do it too!
Coyotes: The Unexpected Masters of Puppy Dog Eyes
The study led by Patrick Cunningham examined the levator anguli oculi medialis (LAOM) in coyotes. The findings, published in Royal Society Open Science, reveal that coyotes possess a well-developed LAOM, much like domestic dogs.
This finding now challenges the long-standing belief that s dog’s LAOM muscle evolved purely as a result of domestication. So now what?
Turns out, puppy dog eyes” are unlikely to be the evolutionary ploy meant to melt human hearts. Perhaps what we’re looking at in reality is an ancestral trait shared by multiple species in the Canis genus.
In a nutshell, before dogs ever sat by the fire begging for scraps, their wild relatives were already working the eyebrow game!
Coyotes have puppy dog eyes too.
Comparing Coyotes, Dogs, and Wolves
To further test this theory, Cunningham’s team compared the facial muscles of coyotes, dogs, and gray wolves.
Interestingly, his research found that while dogs and coyotes shared a well-developed inner eyebrow-raising muscle, gray wolves either lacked the muscle entirely or had a reduced version of it.
If puppy dog eyes were truly an adaptation driven solely by human selection, wolves—who are more closely related to our dogs—would likely have retained it.
So what does this study suggest? Most likely that these canine’s facial expressions must have played a role in facilitating intraspecies communication, hunting coordination, or even social bonding within their social groups.
So rather than having evolved to make dogs look irresistibly cute to us, puppy dog eyes are likely more related to some form of social signaling among wild canids.
References
Patrick Cunningham, Mahita Shankar, Bridgett vonHoldt, Kristin E. Brzeski, Sarah S. Kienle. Coyotes can do ‘puppy dog eyes’ too: comparing interspecific variation in Canis facial expression muscles.Royal Society Open Science, 2024
Why Is my dog so fearful? I was asked this not too long ago, by a concerned dog owner. This is such a simple question, yet the answer is anything but!
Here’s the thing: some dogs seem to tremble at the mere rustle of a leaf, while others wouldn’t flinch even if a marching band paraded through the living room. What’s behind such a different mindset?
If you really want to understand why your pup acts like the world is ending the moment the wind changes direction, you need a little crash course in Fear 101.
This is because fear is such a complex emotion. It can significantly influence a dog’s behavior and learning processes. It can put a dent in your training and behavior modification.
Understanding this complex emotion is crucial for addressing fear-related related problems effectively.
Below is an in-depth exploration of several phenomena involved in a dog’s fear development, so let’s dig in!
What Makes a Dog Fearful?
So why is my dog so fearful? Let’s first start with some basics, fear isn’t just something a dog picks up along the way like a bad habit; sometimes, it’s “baked” right in from birth.
Other times, it may hitch a ride through life as an unwanted passenger, shaped by experiences.
We’re talking here about nature and nurture, the two faces of the coin. This is one of the most relevant topics when discussing “why is my dog so fearful?”
The Role of Nature
Fear can be inherited, courtesy of genetics. In a nutshell, fearfulness can be deeply rooted in a dog’s DNA.
When it comes to dogs, certain breeds may be more reactive because they were selectively designed to notice every tiny movement and sound.
Then there’s the unlucky roll of the genetic dice, causing dogs to simply inherit a more sensitive nervous system, which makes them more prone to fearful responses.
If a dog’s parents were anxious or reactive, their pups might come preloaded with a higher sensitivity to stress, even if they’ve never had a bad experience themselves.
Fear doesn’t always need a genetic blueprint. Sometimes it can also hitch a ride through life as an unwanted passenger, shaped by experiences.
A single terrifying moment (like slipping on a tile floor, getting chased by an aggressive dog, or hearing fireworks) can imprint on a dog’s brain like a permanent post-it note that says: Avoid this situation at all costs.
And because the brain is wired to prioritize survival, these fear memories tend to stick.
This means that for some dogs, fear isn’t just a passing emotion. It’s a long-term companion. So whether fear is inherited or learned, it tends to settle in for the long haul.
The good news? While we might not be able to evict fear from a dog’s life entirely, we can teach dogs how to develop coping mechanisms through patience, training and behavior modification.
The Role of Missed Socialization
Socialization is a critical period, that typically takes place between 3 to 14 weeks of age. Puppies during this times are like little sponges, soaking up experiences, sights, sounds, and the general weirdness and “quirks” of human beings.
If a pup isn’t properly exposed to different people, animals, environments, and stimuli during this time, their brain doesn’t just shrug and say, “Oh well, I’ll figure it out later.”
No, instead, the fear-processing center of the dog’s brain, decides that unfamiliar things are potentially life-threatening.
Now, something I must point out is that, missed socialization windows don’t automatically mean a dog will be fearful, but they stack the odds against them.
Instead of responding to novelty with curiosity, these dogs often default to approach-avoidance behaviors. In a nutshell, they may approach and then suddenly back away or they may freeze or engage in panic reactions.
Something to point out is that, even when puppies are socialized, any overwhelming or negative experience during this critical time can leave a negative impression on the puppy, even the most confident ones.
It’s therefore important that quality is placed over quantity when it comes to the socialization period. Basically, carefully structured socialization is key. It’s not about throwing them into every situation possible, but rather setting them up for success so that every experience has a positive emotional impact.
And while you can’t time-travel back to puppyhood, you can help these dogs develop better coping skills, although in many cases, professional intervention (trainers, behaviorists, and yes, even medication) may be necessary.
Fear by Association: When a Dog’s Brain Connects the Dots
Fear by association is like your dog’s brain connecting dots. Dogs are experts at pairing experiences together, sometimes for the better (leash=happy walks), but often for the worse (leash=scary walks).
If something scary happens during a walk, the dog’s brain stamps a big “WARNING: AVOID AT ALL COSTS” label on walks, whether it makes sense or not.
But let’s look at another example, such as a fear of thunderstorms. A dog hears one loud crack of thunder while standing next to an outdoor chair.
The next time they see the outdoor chair, they panic, convinced it’s a thunder-summoning monster. The chair really did nothing wrong, but in the dog’s mind, it’s automatically “guilty” by association.
As a dog trainer, I have often encountered dogs who have started associating the yard with being shocked from an electric fence causing them to no longer want to be outside. The end result? They start having pee and poop accidents in the house.
This is a real phenomenon and the dogs impacted are referred to as “porch sitters,” by those in the field.
An Adaptive Behavior Linked to Survival
Fear by association is a type of learning that happens quickly as it’s associated with survival. In the wild, being a fast learner can mean “I get to live to see another day.”
Take a gazelle at a watering hole. One moment, he’s peacefully sipping water, and the next, a crocodile emerges from the depths. If that gazelle survives, you can bet it’s not going to stroll up to the water next time with the confidence he used to.
Instead, he hesitates, scans the surface, and maybe even waits for another animal to “test the waters” first and reassure him the area is devoid of crocs. This isn’t paranoia; it’s a survival strategy at best. Learn fast in the wild, or you risk becoming somebody’s lunch!
Dogs, of course, don’t deal with crocodiles, but their brains work in a similar fashion. A puppy that gets startled by a loud noise while meeting a new person, may instantly associate strangers with danger, even if they were friendly strangers.
The challenge is that in modern life, many of these fears aren’t actually useful. A dog that gets scared of the vet’s office after a painful shot doesn’t gain anything by avoiding medical care.
The good news is that, just as fear can be learned, new, positive associations can be made. The trick is persuading the dog that not every trip to the vet spells disaster.
Fear By Consequence: How Avoidance Behaviors Stick
Dogs don’t just learn to feel fear through associations, they also become little strategists in avoiding fear. Since running away, barking, or hiding, often makes the scary thing disappear, the dog gains a huge reward under the form of relief.
Picture this: A dog sees the mailman, panics, and barks like a maniac. The mailman, delivers the mail and then leaves. The dog doesn’t think, “Oh, that person probably had somewhere else to be.” No, their brain tells them, “I barked, and the scary person went away. Success!” Next time, I’ll bark sooner and louder.
With time and experience, the dog gets better and better at this. While at first is was all about panic: Oh no, an intruder!, now the whole situation shifts to “Oh, I know how to handle this!”
Therefore rather than waiting to feel scared, the dog may now start barking as soon as he sees the mailman. And if his barking doesn’t work right away, he may even throw in some growls for extra effect.
Again, from the outside, it looks like boldness, with the dog standing its ground. But inside? It’s still all about fear, it’s just packaged differently.
This is how a defensive response morphs into an offensive-looking one. The dog isn’t purposely picking fights; they’ve just learned that being loud and scary keeps the scary things away. It’s basically as if fear was wearing a tough-guy mask!
Breaking this pattern requires teaching the dog a fresh new perspective through controlled exposures and associative learning.
The Impact on Learning
Fear is a powerful teacher, and as we have seen, for a good reason as it helps animals, including dogs, survive.
When a dog encounters something scary, their brain works fast to find a way to escape and avoid that situation in the future. This is why fear-driven learning tends to stick so well.
Even just a single bad experience, like slipping on a vet’s exam table or getting startled by a stranger wearing a hat, can have a long-lasting impact causing the dog to strongly commit to avoidance behaviors.
The problem? As mentioned, avoidance behaviors are incredibly reinforcing. The moment a dog barks, lunges, hides, or pulls away and the scary thing disappears, they feel relief. That relief makes them more likely to repeat the behavior next time.
This fast-track learning is great for survival in the wild, but in a modern world, it creates challenges. Instead of learning how to stay calm around something that initially frightened them, the dog only learns how to make the situation go away.
The more dogs get to practice avoidance, the harder it becomes to break the cycle and introduce calm, appropriate behaviors instead.
Furthermore, high levels of arousal caused by fear disrupt a dog’s cognitive processes, making it harder for dogs to focus or learn. When fearful dogs are over threshold it therefore becomes almost impossible to train them.
Helping a fearful dog means working against their instinct to avoid and teaching them that staying calm brings better outcomes. It requires controlled exposures to what scares them, but without pushing them over the edge.
Dogs in a fearful state often resort to instinctive responses like flight, freeze, or fight, bypassing learning mechanisms.
So Why Is My Dog So Fearful?
As seen, there are many potential causes as to why dogs are fearful. Fearful dogs are the byproduct of genetics and events that shape their behaviors.
Whether your dog’s fear is inherited or shaped by missed socialization or negative events, fear remains a sticky affair.
Once learned, it takes time and thoughtful training to unlearn. The good news? With the right approach, that same learning process can be used to teach them that the world isn’t so scary after all.
If your dog is over threshold, he’s likely experiencing a high level of arousal, fear, stress, or excitement that surpasses his ability to think, learn, or respond appropriately.
When a dog is over threshold, they may exhibit extreme reactions such as barking, lunging, growling, or shutting down entirely.
This often happens when some stimulus that the dog perceives as too intense (e.g., another dog, a stranger, a loud noise) is too close, pushing the dog beyond their comfort zone.
If your dog is over threshold, it’s difficult for him to focus and he will be unable to process information. This prevents him from being able to respond to cues and learn new behaviors.
Let’s take a closer look at what it means when a dog is over threshold, and most of all, what you can do to help lower his threshold levels so that he can form positive associations and learn appropriate responses rather than reacting out of fear or frustration.
What Does It Mean For a Dog to Be Over Threshold?
Being over threshold means that a dog is so stressed, scared, or excited that they just can’t think, listen, or learn. Their emotions take over, and they react instinctively, barking, lunging, running away, or even freezing.
Imagine you’re terrified of spiders, and suddenly, someone dumps a bucket of them on you. Would you calmly listen to instructions? Solve a math problem? Probably not! That’s what happens when your dog goes over threshold.
For training or behavior modification to work, you want to keep your dog under threshold, at that perfect level where they notice something, but can still stay calm, take treats, and respond to you.
If you own a dog, most likely at some time or another, he must have been over threshold. Need some examples?
Examples of a Dog Being Over Threshold
Here are some examples of a dog being over threshold:
Picture this: You’re walking your dog, when suddenly, out of the blue, a squirrel darts across the path. Your dog now transforms into a sled dog in the Iditarod, yanking you off your feet. Your dog is so fixated on the squirrel that he can’t see you or hear you. He can’t take treats, and certainly forgot all his previous training.
Here’s another example: You are driving and your dog is fine in the car, but the second you step into the vet’s office, he starts panting, whining, and trying to bolt for the exit. His stress level has skyrocketed, and no amount of “good boy” talk or treats will bring them back down.
Maybe you are too familiar with this scene: The doorbell rings, and your dog launches into full-blown defense mode, barking, spinning, and bouncing off the furniture like a kangaroo who had too many coffees.
Here’s the thing: when a dog is over threshold, they’re emotionally flooded, they can’t focus, learn, or respond appropriately. Their fight-or-flight response kicks in, and all cognitive thinking flies out the window.
For training, you want to work under threshold, finding that perfect sweet spot where your dog is aware of a trigger, but he is still able to think, listen, and take treats.
So if you want to avoid being dragged into a bush by a squirrel-chasing lunatic, you’ll need to keep your dog under threshold.
Understanding Comfort Level and Fear Threshold
Here is a general guideline that can help you gauge whether your dog is comfortable, starting to go over threshold and reaching threshold.
Under Threshold
Your dog is aware of the stimulus (e.g., a feared object, dog or person approaching, or a sound), but is still relaxed and does not display signs of fear or distress.
At this level, your dog remains capable of learning and forming positive associations because he is calm.
At Threshold
Your dog starts becoming aware of the stimulus. He’s oriented towards it and may start becoming somewhat concerned. He may start to exhibit early signs of stress such as lip licking, yawning, being hyper vigilant.
Over Threshold
As your dog crosses goes over threshold, he enters a state of emotional reactivity, where fear and stress take over. At this stage, learning is impaired because the dog’s brain prioritizes survival (fight or flight) over forming new, positive associations.
3 Reasons You Need to Keep Your Dog Under Threshold
Following is why it’s so important for you to keep your dog under threshold:
Dogs Learn Best When They Feel Safe
Fear, anxiety and overexcitement inhibit the dog’s ability to process and retain new information. To learn, the dog must remain in a state where they can perceive the feared stimulus without being overwhelmed.
2. It Helps Prevent Sensitization
When a dog is repeatedly exposed to a stimulus in a way that triggers fear, the result may be sensitization rather than desensitization. Sensitization makes the dog more reactive over time, as repeated exposure at a high intensity reinforces their fear response.
Just like having a bucket of spiders dumped on you if you have a phobia won’t likely solve your fear of spiders, so does exposing a fearful dog to something that scares them at full intensity (flooding).
This process won’t help them get over it, in fact, it will probably make things worse. Instead of “getting used to it,” the dog becomes more anxious and reactive each time they encounter the trigger.
3. It HelpsMaintain Trust in the Handler
Pushing a dog beyond their comfort zone can damage the trust between the dog and their handler. If the dog feels forced into situations where they are afraid, they may come to associate their handler with stress, which can worsen anxiety and complicate future training efforts.
Signs a Dog Is Going Over Threshold
Being able to read a dog’s body language is crucial for keeping a dog below their fear threshold. Look for these signs:
Subtle Signs (Early Indicators)
Lip licking
Yawning,
Nose licking.
Turning the head away
Avoiding eye contact.
Ears pulled back
Tension in the face or body.
Panting when not hot or thirsty
Evident Signs of Fear or Stress
Whining, barking, or growling.
Pacing or restlessness.
Freezing
Attempting to hide.
Attempting to flee or escape.
Drooling
Trembling.
When these signs appear, it’s an indication that the threshold has been crossed, and the session should be paused or adjusted to reduce the intensity of the stimulus.
What Causes Dogs to Go Over Threshold?
Following are several triggers and situations that may cause dogs to go over threshold. Being aware of these triggers/situations is crucial so as to prevent the dog from relapsing.
Moving Too Quickly Through Steps
Dog owners often rush through the process, exposing the dog to a stimulus too intensely or too soon, such as moving too close to the feared object or introducing it for too long.
Example: If a dog is afraid of cars, taking them on a short drive before they are comfortable just being near a stationary car can set the process back significantly.
Failing to Adjust Based on the Dog’s Response
Dogs are individuals and you cannot use a cookie-cutter approach to address their emotions. A common error is to therefore stick rigidly to a predefined plan without adapting to the individual dog’s needs and responses.
Not Recognizing Subtle Stress Signals
Early signs of fear are often overlooked, leading to situations where the dog is inadvertently pushed beyond their threshold. Hence, the important of recognizing early signs of stress.
Inconsistent Application
If the stimulus is sometimes presented in a non-controlled manner (e.g., an uncontrolled car passing by during training), it can confuse the dog and slow progress.
How to Avoid Your Dog From Going Over Threshold
There are several steps you can take to prevent your dog from being pushed too far. Here are several strategies that help keep your dog under threshold.
Start at a Distance or Intensity Your Dog Tolerates
Begin with a version of the stimulus that is so mild the dog doesn’t react. For example, if the dog fears cars, you might start with the car parked and the engine off at a significant distance.
Progress Gradually and Systematically
Increase exposure intensity (e.g., proximity, duration, or realism of the stimulus) in small, incremental steps. Always monitor the dog’s body language to ensure they remain comfortable.
Use High-Value Reinforcers
Pair the stimulus with something the dog loves, like treats, toys, or praise. This builds a positive emotional association with the stimulus and helps the dog stay below their fear threshold.
Organize Short and Frequent Sessions
Keep training sessions short to prevent stress and fatigue. Frequent, low-pressure sessions are more effective than long, overwhelming ones.
Control the Environment
Ensure the training environment is free from additional stressors that could compound the dog’s anxiety. For instance, train in a quiet area where distractions are minimal.
Signs of Success
You know you’re staying below the fear threshold and progressing effectively when:
Your dog remains calm and relaxed in the presence of the stimulus.
Your dog willingly engages with you (e.g., takes treats, responds to cues).
Your dog begins to exhibit neutral or even positive body language (e.g., wagging tail, relaxed posture) around the stimulus.
Your dog is able to tolerate closer proximity or increased intensity of the stimulus without showing signs of fear.
Is a Dog Under Threshold If He’s Able to Take Treats?
Not necessarily. Some dogs will still eat even when stressed, while others may refuse food at the slightest discomfort.
To determine if a dog is truly under threshold, look at their overall behavior:
If the dog take treats calmly and willingly, they are usually likely under threshold. Do they take treats hurriedly (grabby mouthing) or with stiffness? Then they may be close to threshold.
If they refuse treats, they are likely over threshold and too stressed to eat.
Treat-taking is just one clue. It’s always best assess body language, responsiveness, and the dog’s overall emotional state for the full picture.
Concluding Thoughts
As seen, repeated exposure to a scary stimulus at full intensity can make a dog’s fear worse (sensitization) instead of better (desensitization). To help a fearful dog, introduce the trigger gradually and in a way that keeps them calm (under threshold) so they can learn and potentially form positive associations with the trigger (counterconditioning) rather than negative ones.
Can dogs be ticklish? Tickling, consists of that delightful (or diabolical) quirk of the nervous system that makes us giggle, squirm, and sometimes accidentally punch our well-meaning ticklers.
But have you ever wondered if dogs, our ever-loyal and often goofy companions, experience this strange phenomenon too? Can dogs be ticklish in the same way humans are?
This is certainly something important to discover because we really must know whether our dogs like or dislike being touched in certain ways or in certain places.
The Role of Dog Fur in Sensory Perception
Dogs don’t just have sensitive skin, they have hair that is also equipped to detect movement. A dog’s fur is wired to detect changes in the air or small movements in their immediate environment.
When something brushes against their fur—say, a bug crawling along their back—this causes the hair to move slightly. The movement of the hair stimulates nerve endings in the skin, sending signals to the dog’s brain that something is there.
This is why dogs may often seem overly sensitive to certain touches, or why they quickly flick their skin or shake when something brushes against them.
Can Dogs Be Ticklish?
So can dogs be ticklish? Let’s start by saying this: dogs are capable of experiencing sensations similar to ticklishness, but their responses are different from humans.
While they may not giggle like we do when they’re tickled, they certainly have some highly sensitive spots that can trigger reflexive reactions, like twitching legs, kicking, or squirming.
This is likely more akin to an involuntary, reflexive reaction rather than the playful “laughing” response we associate with tickling.
Just like humans, dogs have areas of their body that are especially sensitive to touch. Dogs with a healthy nervous system are blessed with sensitive skin due to the high density of nerve endings in certain parts of their bodies.
These nerve endings are known as mechanoreceptors, and they are specialized in detecting pressure, vibration, and light touch. The higher the concentration of these receptors in an area, the more sensitive that area is to touch.
However, this is more of a response to light pressure or touch, akin to a crawling sensation that triggers a physical reaction. It’s not exactly the same as what we would consider ticklishness, which often combines an emotional response (laughter) with the physical sensation of being touched in a very specific way.
Still, dogs do exhibit behaviors that look a lot like being ticklish, even if their experience doesn’t quite mirror our own.
Can dogs be ticklish? Yes, dogs can be particularly “sensitive” to being touched in certain areas of their bodies.
Some “Ticklish” Parts of a Dog’s Body
Let’s therefore take a closer look at some areas where dogs are particularly sensitive to touch. When touched in these areas, some dogs may reflexively respond in a way that may be perceived as if they’re being tickled.
Paw Pads
Can dogs be ticklish on their paws? In humans, feet are the ultimate ticklish hotspot. Indeed, just thinking about the soles of your feet being lightly touched can make you squirm. But what’s going on there, neurologically speaking? And how does that relate to dogs, especially when it comes to their paws?
For humans, this ticklishness is partly due to the high concentration of nerve endings in the skin of our feet, particularly in areas like the soles, toes, and arches. The Pacinian corpuscles, a type of mechanoreceptor, are key players here.
These receptors are highly concentrated and make us highly responsive to even the lightest touch, which is why we often react with a giggle or involuntary movement when someone passes a feather on our soles of the feet.
In dogs, their paw pads are also highly sensitive. Much like humans, dogs have Pacinian corpuscles in their paw pads, which makes their paws extremely responsive to pressure, vibration, and even temperature changes.
This sensitivity helps dogs navigate their environment and detect things like vibrations in the ground or subtle changes in the terrain, all important for survival.
However, there’s a big difference between sensitivity and ticklishness. When you touch or manipulate a dog’s paws, you’ll often elicit a negative response, like pulling away, growling, or even snapping.
That’s because their paw pads play a crucial role in survival. In the wild, a dog’s paws are essential for tracking prey, escaping danger, and navigating various environments.
For a dog, the sensitivity of their paws is more than just a response to touch—it’s an essential part of their survival toolkit. Hot pavement or sharp objects can be felt through the paw pads, warning the dog to avoid potentially harmful situations.
Discomfort in having their paws touched can therefore be a sign that they feel vulnerable or threatened, as they associate paw manipulation with a loss of control over this important sensory tool.
Belly
Oh, look, they’re showing me their belly! They must want a belly rub!” But just like with any good mystery, there’s a lot more going on here than meets the eye (or the hand).
First off, let’s address the sensitivity of a dog’s belly. Dog bellies are notably sensitive to touch—and for good reason. The skin on a dog’s belly is much thinner and more delicate than the rest of their body.
In fact, this region is loaded with sensory nerve endings, making it a part of their body where they’re most likely to feel your touch in an intense way.
A dog’s belly area is also a place where dogs store vital organs, such as the stomach, intestines, and reproductive organs. It’s a vulnerable area, which is why dogs are naturally protective of it.
Even if they roll over and expose their belly, this doesn’t always mean they’re entirely comfortable or asking for a belly rub. It’s important to realize that exposing the belly can be a sign of appeasement rather than a true invitation for physical affection.
Why do dog bellies lack hair or have very little hair there, you may ask? Here’s the scoop, a dog’s belly is an area that’s less exposed to the environment compared to the back, so it doesn’t require the same level of protection from the elements (like sun or cold).
That being said, as with the paws, the lack of fur in this area allows for better tactile sensitivity, which helps dogs feel the environment around them more acutely. In the wild, this can be useful for sensing potential threats or changes in their environment, whether it’s a predator sneaking up or an uncomfortable object brushing against them.
Furthermore, the absence of hair allows a dog to better regulate temperature in a way that’s less dependent on fur. In hotter climates, having a less furry belly can help with heat dissipation, as dogs enjoy laying down on cool surfaces to cool off.
So are dogs ticklish on their bellies? While dogs have sensitive areas, especially their bellies, paws, and sides, the same kind of reflexive, giggle-inducing ticklishness that humans experience doesn’t really happen in dogs. Their response to light touch in sensitive areas is more about sensitivity than tickling.
Dogs will therefore wiggle, squirm, or pull away, especially if they find the touch uncomfortable or overly stimulating.
Of course, dogs are individuals, just like people. Their preferences when it comes to belly rubs can vary based on personality and past experiences. Some dogs may love the sensation of a belly rub, while others may feel uncomfortable or even annoyed by it.
Not all dogs who expose their bellies are asking for a belly rub.
Ears
Can dogs be ticklish on their ears? While ears might not be “ticklish” in the same way that human feet or bellies are, they definitely react to touch. Dogs are very sensitive to ear contact due to the high concentration of nerve endings in their ears.
When you touch a dog’s ears, they might flick, shake, or move their head in response. This is more of an instinctive reaction to the sensation or even a way to shake off irritation or discomfort.
A dog’s ear flap (or pinna) therefore has a lot of nerve endings, so any contact, particularly around the base of the ear or on the ear tip, can feel very intense to them.
This heightened sensitivity has an evolutionary reason: it helps dogs detect and respond to bugs or other small environmental threats that may come into contact with their ears.
When I touched my Rottweiler’s ears very lightly with a blade of grass, his response would be to immediately twitch or shake his head. This must have felt very annoying, sort of like a bug crawling on him. Who wants a pesky bug crawling into the ears?!
Although dog ears don’t “tickle” in the human sense, dogs may be extra sensitive to ear contact. For example, some dogs may respond by shaking their head, pulling away, or flicking their ears when touched, which could be mistaken for ticklishness, but it’s more about discomfort.
Interestingly, when dogs are in a fearful state, they’ll instinctively pull back their ears as they are vulnerable parts of the body. By pulling their ears back they are made less of a target.
Many dogs dislike having their ears touched. The ears are quite sensitive, and many dogs see them as a vulnerable area of their body—much like their belly.
If a dog has had negative experiences with ear handling (such as painful grooming, past injury, or even rough handling), they may develop a strong avoidance behavior toward having their ears touched.
Whiskers
Dogs’ whiskers are like little sensory antennae. They are deeply embedded in the skin and are connected to a dense network of nerve endings. When something touches or brushes against their whiskers, it sends an immediate signal to their brain. The purpose is to alert them to the presence of a potential object or, yes, even a crawling insect.
These whiskers help dogs detect tiny movements in the air or on their skin, which is crucial for navigating their environment.
In essence, whiskers are like antennae, giving dogs information about the space around them, especially when they’re in low light or navigating tight spaces.
When whiskers are touched unexpectedly, a dog may feel disoriented or startled. This can lead to reactions like pulling away, shying back, or even growling. This may be why dogs dislike having people blow into their face!
The sensation dogs feel when their whiskers are touched is more about detection than the playful response we associate with ticklishness. They’re more concerned about processing information and sensing their environment rather than reacting in a playful or ticklish manner. So, while whiskers are sensitive, they’re not “ticklish” in the same way our feet or bellies are.
The Area By the Dog’s Tail
Everybody who owns a dog knows about those rump scritches—the magical spot that can send some dogs into a wiggly, happy dance! If you’ve ever scratched a dog near the base of their tail and watched them wiggle, kick, or do the “butt dance,” you’ve likely wondered: Is this a ticklish reaction, or do they just love it?
Can dogs be ticklish in this area? Again, dogs don’t experience ticklishness in the human sense, but they do have highly sensitive nerve endings in certain areas, including near the base of the tail.
When you scratch that area, it can trigger involuntary reactions like wiggling, kicking a hind leg, or even leaning into your touch.
This response may be triggered by giving a dog relief from an itchy, hard-to-reach spot. Dogs can’t easily reach their lower back and tail base to scratch it, so when a human provides relief, it feels amazing to the dog.
Unlike their shoulders or neck, where they can use their back legs to scratch, this area relies on external help for a good itch relief. Now you know why your dog loves so much to roll over his back and vigorously rub against the ground.
This area sheds less frequently than other parts of the body, meaning dead hairs and skin can build up. Since dogs can’t easily reach their rump, the sensation of a scratch can feel extra relieving.
If a bug crawls near the dog’s tail base, a dog might suddenly whip around, bite at the area, or scoot their butt on the ground to get rid of the sensation. Some dogs might react with a quick tail tuck or even bolt forward if they suddenly feel something crawling back there.
This is more of an instinctual flight response rather than outright fear.
Is a Dog’s Scratch Reflex a Sign of Feeling Ticklish?
Dogs have a scratch reflex that triggers leg kicking and is primarily triggered when scratching the sensitive nerve regions on a dog’s torso, belly, ribs, and flanks,
The scratch reflex was first scientifically studied by Sir Charles Sherrington, a British neuroscientist. He is famous for his research on reflexes, the nervous system, and spinal cord function.
The scratch reflex is an evolutionary defense mechanism that helps dogs react to: bugs, parasites, foreign objects, allergies and skin irritants.
Veterinarians sometimes use the scratch reflex to assess a dog’s neurological function, since a lack of response can indicate spinal or nerve damage.
Can dogs be ticklish in this area? Isn’t a dog’s scratch reflex a sign of a dog feeling ticklish? No, a dog’s scratch reflex is more of a built-in nerve response than a sign of ticklishness. So, that adorable leg-kicking action is just their nervous system doing its job—not them laughing at a good belly rub!
Is My Dog Really Enjoying Touch? Watch the Body Language Closely
Imagine if dogs growl or snap at us because our touch triggers overwhelming tickling sensations and our dogs wish us to stop!
“Non-consensual -or aggressive- tickling can be uncomfortable, and even painful for the recipient,” explains Albert Kok, with the University of Amsterdam in an unpublished paper on tickling.
Here’s the catch: dogs, deprived of the power of words, are utterly helpless in expressing whether being tickled is bliss or pure agony. It’s not like dogs have the luxury of saying, “Excuse me, my dear human, but this tickling sensation? It’s not the most comfortable thing for me, thanks!”
Nope, instead you’re stuck with a silent, furry language of body posture, tail wags, and the occasional yelp if things go too far. They’re like the “silent sufferers” of the animal kingdom, with no Yelp review option to warn others of “excessive belly rubbing” or “paws too far tickled.”
Without the ability to articulate, it’s therefore our job as empathetic owners to carefully watch our dog’s body language and see where our dogs stand in terms of tickling.
As you are petting/tickling your dog, look for a happy tail, loose body language, a relaxed face and mouth area. This body language may mean “Go ahead, tickle away!”
A tucked tail, stiffened posture, or a sudden snarl? That’s the furry version of a raised eyebrow saying, “You might want to back off, buddy.”
The Importance of Consent
Consent is ultimately the cornerstone of healthy, respectful interactions, whether we’re talking about human relationships, human-dog relationships, or, dare I say, even the slightly more awkward world of tickling!
As a dog trainer and behavior consultant, I can tell you that in the world of dogs, consent is paramount. But here’s the kicker: dogs don’t exactly wave a little flag that says, “Yes, tickle me!” or “No, not today!”
Again, it is up to us, the humans, to decipher their body language and ensure that we’re always respecting their boundaries.
This becomes especially tricky when a dog’s signals aren’t as clear as we might hope. Or when we, as well-meaning pet parents, we misinterpret those signals. This is where a consent test comes always handy. Consider that a dog’s sensitivity may sometimes vary from day to day, situation to situation.
“Ask” your dog routinely if he consents to petting. Looking up at you, when you stop petting may be a sign of him asking for more.
How to Carry Out a Consent Test
This is not a rigid process but a simple, mindful way to check in with your dog and ensure they’re comfortable with the interaction. It works similarly to the way we test whether our dog is up for a petting session. It’s all about reading the dog’s body language and respecting their response.
Here’s an easy peasy way to carry it out:
Begin by gently touching your dog and carefully watch for your dog’s reaction when you stop. Is your dog leaning more into you, looking at you with pleading eyes and nudging your hands? Is he pawing at you? If so, your dog may be saying “More please!”
Is he pulling back? Turning the head? Avoiding eye contact? Acting neutral or even moving away? That’s a sign that maybe they’re not into it, and you should slow down or stop. It’s very important to respect the “stop” signals.
In short, the importance of consent in your interactions with your dog is about ensuring that both you and your dog feel safe, respected, and comfortable.
Consent tests ultimately help build trust. When dogs see consistently that their signals are respected, they’re more likely to engage in positive, relaxed interactions with us.
Conversely, when dogs are repeatedly forced into uncomfortable situations, they may develop anxiety, fear, or even aggressive behaviors as a way of communicating their distress!
Not All Dogs Are the Same!
Of course, not all dogs are made the same as if using a cookie cutter to make a batch of cookies. Some dogs are more tolerant of touch than others. While one dog may happily accept a belly rub, another might be hugely sensitive about their paws being touched.
Some dogs are more sensitive than others and may take a little longer to warm up to touch. Others may be more decisive in telling you when they’re done.
By observing their behavior and following up with the simple “stop and check” method, you can develop a better understanding of what works for your dog, whether you’re engaging in tickles, cuddles, or any other form of affection.
Concluding Thoughts
So can dogs be ticklish? As seen, dogs don’t get tickled in the human sense. In the grand scheme of things, I think what’s critical to consider is the fact that tickling a dog is like playing a game of “guess the emotional state”—but without the safety net of verbal communication.
So, unless you’re very fluent in “canine body language,” be prepared to carefully interpret everything from leg kicks to suspicious side-eye when your hands stray a little too close to tickle territory.
Floppy ears in dogs are quite an invention! They are a defining characteristic of many dog breeds and despite their simple appearance, they hold various important functions. Need some examples? They are critical for communication, hearing ability, and health.
The presence of floppy ears is often associated with selective breeding and domestication, a phenomenon seen in studies like the famous farm fox experiment. If this is new to you, read on to discover more about this intriguing experiment.
So let’s take a closer look into the physiological aspects of floppy ears in dogs and their impact on a dog’s communication and hearing.
Furthermore, we’ll explore their evolutionary origins, and how they compare to dogs with erect ears.
The Physiology of Floppy Ears
In dogs, as it happens in people, it can be said that their ear structure is for the most part composed of cartilage and muscles.
The external ear, or pinna, consists of a flexible cartilage framework that is covered with skin and fur.
What makes a dog’s floppy ears “flop?” In breeds with floppy ears, the cartilage is softer and lacks the rigidity needed to keep the pinna upright.
In contrast, dogs with erect ears have stronger ear muscles, allowing them to move their ears independently for better sound localization.
The shape and structure of a dog’s ears also influence how they funnel sound waves toward the eardrum. What’s known is that floppy-eared dogs may experience a slight reduction in directional hearing compared to their erect-eared counterparts.
However, their overall hearing ability remains always significantly higher than humans and highly functional.
A Labrador Retriever’s floppy ears help reduce wind noise while retrieving and swimming—but they also make them prone to ear infections.
The Role of Floppy Ears in Communication
Dogs use their ears extensively to communicate with both humans and other animals. In erect-eared breeds, ear positioning plays a significant role in expressing emotions such as alertness, fear, or curiosity.
For example, pricked ears often indicate attentiveness, while ears laid back against the head suggest fear.
Floppy-eared dogs, however, have a more limited range of ear mobility due to reduced ear muscle function. This can make their body language less evident compared to erect-eared dogs.
However, this doesn’t mean it’s impossible to “read them.” With my Rottweilers, I could tell when were alert. Their floppy ears were oriented towards something as their top would slightly raise and their forehead would wrinkle.
Dogs with floppy ears must therefore rely on other forms of communication, such as facial expressions, tail movement, and vocalizations.
Some floppy-eared dogs can still move their ears slightly, but their communication through ear positioning is less precise and somewhat less easy to interpret compared to dogs with erect ears.
Despite this limitation, humans and other dogs still interpret their signals effectively.
Do Floppy-Eared Dogs Hear Well?
While floppy ears may reduce directional hearing slightly, they do not significantly impair a dog’s overall ability to hear.
Dogs have an impressive auditory range, detecting sounds between 40 Hz and 60,000 Hz—far beyond human capabilities. Their inner ear structures remain unchanged regardless of ear shape, ensuring that they can hear even high-frequency sounds effectively.
However, because floppy ears cover the ear canal and may not localize sound as precisely as erect-eared dogs. Because their pinnae are less mobile, they may therefore not pinpoint sound sources as accurately as their erect-eared counterparts.
Nonetheless, they are still capable of detecting distant sounds, making them excellent companions for hunting, guarding, and companionship.
Are Floppy-Eared Dogs More Prone to Ear Infections?
Floppy ears are often believed to have an increased susceptibility to ear infections. This is because the floppy pinna covers the entrance to the ear canal, creating a warm, moist environment that is ideal for bacterial and yeast growth.
Erect-eared dogs instead are believe to have better ear ventilation, allowing air to circulate freely and reducing the likelihood of bacterial and fungal overgrowth.
However, while floppy ears do contribute to ear infections, ear structure alone isn’t the only factor at play.
For example, German Shepherds have erect ears, which should theoretically allow for better ventilation and lower infection risk, however, they are still quite prone to ear infections.
If we had to pick though a breed notorious for ear infections, Cocker Spaniels are the poster child for ear infections!
While erect-eared dogs generally have fewer ear infections due to better air circulation in the ear canal, one disadvantage is “openness.” In a nutshell, they’re more vulnerable to environmental hazards like frostbite, injuries and insect bites.
The Role of Domestication
Many wild canids, such as wolves, foxes, and coyotes have erect ears, why is that? Most likely because the presence of floppy ears in many domestic dog breeds can be attributed to domestication.
One of the most famous studies supporting this idea is the Russian farm fox experiment, conducted by Dmitry Belyaev.
In this experiment, wild foxes were selectively bred for tameness and friendliness toward humans. Over generations, these foxes began to exhibit physical traits associated with domestication, includingfloppy ears, shorter snouts, and piebald coats.
This phenomenon suggests that floppy ears may be a byproduct of domestication, rather than a trait specifically selected for.
The reason behind this lies in the neural crest hypothesis, which proposes that reduced levels of neural crest cells during embryonic development lead to physical changes such as floppy ears, curly tails, and reduced aggression.
The hypothesis entails that a reduction in neural crest cell proliferation and migration is a core genetic mechanism of early domestication.
Since the neural crest contributes to the development of both the nervous system and cartilage, selecting for docility inadvertently affects ear structure.
Did you know? In a study, dogs with floppy ears were rated higher on Agreeableness and Emotional Stability than pointy-eared dogs.
Comparison with Erect-Eared Dogs
Erect-eared dogs, such as German Shepherds, Huskies, and Belgian Malinois, tend to have superior directional hearing due to their ability to move their ears independently.
This gives them an advantage in activities that require acute sound detection, such as herding, hunting, and search-and-rescue work.
In contrast, floppy-eared breeds were often bred for purposes where acute hearing was less critical, such as scent tracking or companionship. Hounds, such as Beagles, Basset Hounds and Bloodhounds for example, rely more on their powerful sense of smell than their hearing when tracking scents.
Did you know? Many puppies known for boasting erect-ears (like German Shepherds or Siberian Huskies), have floppy ears as puppies because their ear cartilage is still developing. As they grow and their cartilage strengthens, their ears will start standing up.
German Shepherd puppies have floppy ears when young.
Different Types of Floppy Ears in Dogs
Not all floppy ears are created equally! They come in different styles, following are several types of floppy ears in dogs.
Button Ears
These ears bend over at the tip. The name “button ears “derived from the appearance of this ear which somewhat resembles the buttoned fold seen on pockets on a shirt.
This ear type is seen in several dog breeds. In the pug’s breed standard, the American Kennel Club, describes the ears in this breed as being small and soft, like black velvet. Two kinds of ears are accepted – the “rose” and the “button” but preference is given to the latter.
Rose Ears
These ears look a bit erect, but then the fold drops down causing the end part of the pinna of the ear to fall to the side. Its name derives from this ear’s shape due to the folds resembling somewhat the petals of a rose.
You’ll see rose ears in a variety of dog breeds, more notoriously in several sighthounds.
Drop Ears
As the name implies, these ears are floppy. Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, and Chesapeake Bay retrievers are just some dog breeds that are known for sporting drop ears.
Interestingly, these dog breeds share a predisposition for swimming. Therefore there may be chances those drop ears were selectively bred for to prevent water from entering the ears, explains Christine Zink in the book “Peak Performance EBook: Coaching the Canine Athlete.”
There are several other dog breeds known for featuring drop ears.
Filbert Ears
This floppy ears shape is specific to only Bedlington Terriers. This ear is triangular in shape with rounded tips and is velvety in texture. Its most characteristic trait is the small silky tassel found at the tip. The name of this ear derives from the word “filbert” which depicts a nut of the hazel family.
Folded Ears
This an extreme form of the drop ear characterized by very long ears that hang down a lot and have distinct folds. Also known as pendulous ears, these ears touch the ground as often seen in the blood hound and basset hound. This type of ear is characteristic of dogs selectively bred for tracking.
The Power of Pendulous Ears
In dog breeds with long ears such as Basset hounds and Bloodhounds, the ears carry several intriguing additional functions.
Because these dog’s ears are so low to the ground, especially when their heads are lowered during scent tracking, they stir up scent particles from the ground, helping direct them toward the nose.
This, along with the loose, wrinkled skin, helps create “a scent pool” around the nose, allowing for more thorough olfactory processing and a higher likelihood of accurately following a scent trail.
Furthermore, the long ears also act as a barrier, helping block noise and wind disturbances that may distract and disrupt the scent trail.
Pendulous ears create a “scent pool” when they scent hounds are tracking with their head carried low.
Concluding Thoughts
As seen, floppy ears are fascinating! They are a great representation of how evolution, domestication, and selective breeding have shaped the canines we live with today.
While they may appear to be just a charming trait, their structure serves various functional purposes, from enhancing scent-tracking abilities to keeping ears somewhat protected from water.
Whether aiding in tracking, protecting against environmental factors, or simply making dogs appear more approachable, floppy ears are more than just a feature, they’re a testament to the complex and remarkable nature of canine evolution.
References
Fratkin, Jamie & Baker, Suzanne. (2013). The Role of Coat Color and Ear Shape on the Perception of Personality in Dogs. Anthrozoos: A Multidisciplinary Journal of The Interactions of People & Animals
Waller BM, Peirce K, Caeiro CC, Scheider L, Burrows AM, McCune S, Kaminski J. Paedomorphic facial expressions give dogs a selective advantage. PLoS ONE. 2013
Dugatkin, Lee. (2018). The silver fox domestication experiment. Evolution: Education and Outreach
Trut LN. Early canid domestication: the farm-fox experiment. Am Sci. 1999
Wilkins, Adam & Wrangham, Richard & Fitch, W. (2021). The neural crest/domestication syndrome hypothesis, explained: reply to Johnsson, Henriksen, and Wright. Genetics
