Hugs and overly close physical contact stresses dogs out, according to a new article published in Psychology Today by UBC psychologist Stanley Coren.
Coren, a canine behaviour expert, said an embrace can annoy or frighten a dog.
“Behaviourists believe that depriving a dog of [their natural instinct to run away in times of stress] by immobilizing him with a hug can increase his stress level and, if the dog’s anxiety becomes significantly intense, he may bite,” wrote Coren.
The story appeared in Daily Mail, New York Magazine, SFGate, Refinery 29, Seattle PI and News.com.au.
