When is the Best Time to Show a Dog Affection?

Whether you are in the process of training a puppy or are hoping to get your dog to behave better, one of the things that you must learn is when it is an appropriate time to show affection.

The absolute best time to show affection to your dog is when it is acting calm and submissive. Signs of submission are holding its head low, ears relaxed and pushed slightly back or when the dog is curled into a circular position.  When you show affection during this time, you are teaching your dog that when it is submissive it will receive your attention.

The worst time to show affection is when your dog is nervous, anxious, showing signs of dominance, excited or basically begging for attention.  If you show affection when your dog is not calm it will learn bad behavior as well as dominant behavior, which is something that you really want to avoid.

The key thing to remember is that when you show affection, you are reinforcing whatever mind state your dog is in at that time.