We all love to give affection to our dogs. Giving our dogs affection, makes us feel good, and also helps lower blood pressure, and has a calming affect on us.

Most dogs also enjoy our affection, and some thrive on the pleasurable feeling it creates in the dogs brain. Dogs with extremely strong pack instinct tend to gravitate towards affection, whereas dogs with low pack instinct, may care less about getting affection from us.

It is important to understand that whenever we give our dog or puppy affection, we are rewarding and/or reinforcing a state of mind. We should always see any form of positive interaction with our dog as a reward for the current behaviour. Affection should never be given when our dogs are demanding attention, overly excited (anxious), fearful, or for any form of stress.

If you see your dog pacing, panting with quick short breathe, and looks anxious (what many incorrectly interpret as excitement) because you are around, you should not give your dog or puppy any affection (or attention) until it physically and mentally calms down.

Giving affection to our dogs, and especially puppies, at the wrong time is one of the major reasons for so many behavioural issues in dogs. Most people do not realise that the affection they are giving their dog, may in fact be strengthening anxiety or assertive behaviour in their dogs, which is then contributing to a lot of other unwanted behaviours.

Be very aware of when you give your dog affection, and use any type of affection for rewarding and reinforcing a calm submissive state of mind. Your dog will be much happier and calmer if we follow these rules. A dog doesn't instinctively want to be in a continuous anxious state of mind. However many dog owners with good intentions, are not realising they are reinforcing this state in their dog, believing their dog wants affection, or the dogs owner just wants to give some affection at that moment.

Give your dog lots of love and affection..but only at the right time.