Touch tolerance in dogs - trust starts with a hand

What does touch tolerance mean?

Touch tolerance describes a dog's ability to tolerate being touched by people or other dogs - without becoming stressed, defensive or insecure. It is not about a dog having to "put up with everything", but rather that it learns to experience touch as something positive or at least neutral.

We - Lui & Paulina - see working on touch tolerance as a central component of training. Because no matter whether it's the vet, grooming, everyday life or cuddles - touching is part of living together. And they cannot be taken for granted.

Why is touch not always pleasant for dogs?

Many dogs have never learnt to experience touch as something good. Reasons for this can be

• Bad experiences (e.g. rough handling, violence, stress at the vet)

• Lack of socialisation

• Pain or physical limitations

• Genetic sensitivity

• Too early or incorrect excessive demands in puppyhood

What seems "normal" to us - e.g. stroking over the head - can be very unpleasant or even threatening for dogs.

How does a dog show a lack of touch tolerance?

• Retreat, duck, dodge

• Freeze, pant or look away

• Growling or snapping

• Trembling or avoidance behaviour when approached

• Restlessness or constantly leaving the neighbourhood

These signals are not "bad habits", but indications of stress - and an invitation to take a closer look.

How do we promote touch tolerance?

1. Slow build-up with positive linking

Start at neutral points (e.g. shoulder), combine touch with praise or treats, increase intensity and duration only slowly.

2. Giving choices

The dog is allowed to go. The more voluntary co-operation, the more lasting the trust.

3. Pay attention to body language

Do not bend over him head-on, no quick movements - but sideways, calmly, with soft hands.

4. Create rituals

Z. E.g. signal for "Now I'm coming to touch" - this helps particularly sensitive dogs to prepare themselves.

5. Respect instead of coercion

No holding on, no persuasion. Safety comes from consideration, not control.

Our approach at Vitomalia

We regard every touch as an offer of a relationship - and every reaction from the dog as an honest response. We pay attention to this during training:

• State of health (especially for older or handicapped dogs)

• Personality and background

• Timing and reward

• Breaks and self-efficacy

Especially for dogs with traumas, fears or from animal welfare, this topic is often the key to more trust in everyday life.

Our conclusion

Touch is not a right - it is a gift. A dog that allows itself to be touched because it trusts, and not because it has to, shows the deepest form of connection.

That's why we promote touch tolerance with feeling, patience and respect. Because real closeness is not created through pressure - but through mutual acceptance.