Dogs Sense of Touch

Although not quite as sophisticated, the dog's sense of touch is well developed and is as significant to the dog as it is to us humans. This is one of the most important senses of all to a dog. Without it a puppy would struggle to find it's mother, to feed, at birth.

When puppies are born they have sense organs in their faces so they can locate their mother if they become separated before their eyes are open. The need for touch remains throughout the dog's lifetime and it becomes an integral part of training and reward.

A dog's sense of touch is sometimes used to communicate with other dogs and with their human owners. You should learn where your dog likes to be touched. This is important when it comes to stimulating and relaxing it and helps with the bonding process.

Dogs have sensory nerves all over their bodies, just as humans do. Dogs thrive on being touched and stroked, so there's a two way thing happening when stroking a dog, it benefits the dog as well as the owner.

Believe it or not, stroking a dog is recognised as being therapeutic. It has been found to reduce blood pressure, settle nerves and consequently actually help people to live longer. You may have heard about trained dogs being introduced to residential care homes and hospitals where people who are normally denied contact with dogs, can stroke and fuss them, benefiting both dogs and humans.

Dogs love to snuggle up to their owners and sometimes before you know it they are curled up next to you on the sofa. This is another example of how a dog's sense of touch is used in the bonding process with it's owner.

Back to Dog Senses | Home