How Much Petting Does Your Dog Need?

Caring for your pup is an important part of being a pet parent. Learn how much petting your dog needs and how to properly pet them.

How Much Petting Does Your Dog Need?

Caring for your pup is an important part of being a pet parent. On average, you should plan to spend 1-2 hours each day providing your pup with the care they need. This can include activities such as walks, games, enrichment activities, training, or simply cuddling. When it comes to petting your pup, it's best to keep it short and sweet.

Give your pup a few seconds of caresses and then take a pause. This pause gives your pup the chance to either request more cuddles or take a break if they need to by moving away. Jennifer White, behavioral rehabilitation specialist at the ASPCA Behavioral Rehabilitation Center, explains that it's important to focus on just the two of you when petting your pup and not talk to someone else while petting them. This helps them concentrate their thoughts or forget their shyness.

It's important to remember that while an hour or two of playtime each day is recommended for your pup, 18 hours a day is too much. As a pet parent, it's important to provide your pup with the care they need each day and be mindful of how much petting they need. When petting your pup, keep it short and sweet and focus on just the two of you.

Wanda Rater
Wanda Rater

Avid tv junkie. Freelance bacon aficionado. Certified beer lover. Typical food specialist. Infuriatingly humble bacon expert. Hipster-friendly travel lover.

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