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en-us Tue, 21, May 2013 1:24 Sun, 27, Jan 2013 16:19 http://www.startribune.com/sports/outdoors/blogs/jerrykolter.html 188600591 Thu, 14, Apr 2011 14:37 http://www.startribune.com/sports/outdoors/blogs/jerrykolter.html 119864789 Sun, 10, Apr 2011 12:46 http://www.startribune.com/sports/outdoors/blogs/jerrykolter.html 119564844 Sat, 14, Aug 2010 7:25 http://www.startribune.com/sports/outdoors/blogs/jerrykolter.html 100680694 Sat, 3, Jul 2010 7:50 http://www.startribune.com/sports/outdoors/blogs/jerrykolter.html 97092859 Wed, 17, Mar 2010 7:46 http://www.startribune.com/sports/outdoors/blogs/jerrykolter.html 88149537  
First of all, petting a dog is not “patting” a dog. “Patting” is a slap and similar in motion to dribbling a basketball. Dogs don’t like to be “patted” anywhere but especially on their heads. (I’ve seen dogs flinch when being “patted” on the head.) Watch while a dog is getting “patted.” It’s obvious by the expression and reaction of the dog that it’s not a pleasing or enjoyable experience.

What dogs really like is being touched with gentle, stroking motions. This petting can be applied differently to various parts of the dog’s anatomy and to convey specific messages.  Long, slow, light strokes calm and quiet a dog while harder, short, quick pets will excite. Petting a dog under its chin is similar to how a submissive dog reacts to a more dominate dog and isn’t the message to convey. When petting the side of the head or cheek area in a front-to-back motion, the dog assumes a “submissive grin” which reinforces your status as the pack leader. 

All dogs have a “sweet spot” where they love being petted. This spot is the area between and slightly behind the shoulder blades. When dogs roll on their backs on grass or carpet, they are really focusing on these parts of their bodies.  It’s obvious how good it feels.

Petting your dog using the proper touch, technique and location is very important. You’ll be communicating the message you desire and the dog will be much happier, too!
  ]]> Sun, 10, Jan 2010 15:22 http://www.startribune.com/sports/outdoors/blogs/jerrykolter.html 81097557 Wed, 9, Dec 2009 11:11 http://www.startribune.com/sports/outdoors/blogs/jerrykolter.html 78875662 Mon, 9, Nov 2009 13:55 http://www.startribune.com/sports/outdoors/blogs/jerrykolter.html 69586812 Sun, 11, Oct 2009 12:25 http://www.startribune.com/sports/outdoors/blogs/jerrykolter.html 63963907 Mon, 5, Oct 2009 17:21 http://www.startribune.com/sports/outdoors/blogs/jerrykolter.html 63561362 Wed, 23, Sep 2009 15:16 http://www.startribune.com/sports/outdoors/blogs/jerrykolter.html 60767872 Tue, 15, Sep 2009 8:59 http://www.startribune.com/sports/outdoors/blogs/jerrykolter.html 59330577 Thu, 20, Aug 2009 8:17 http://www.startribune.com/sports/outdoors/blogs/jerrykolter.html 53798537 Thu, 13, Aug 2009 13:6 http://www.startribune.com/sports/outdoors/blogs/jerrykolter.html 53148737 Thu, 23, Jul 2009 15:56 http://www.startribune.com/sports/outdoors/blogs/jerrykolter.html 51513312 Tue, 7, Jul 2009 14:51 http://www.startribune.com/sports/outdoors/blogs/jerrykolter.html 50152222 Tue, 26, May 2009 19:18 http://www.startribune.com/sports/outdoors/blogs/jerrykolter.html 46132452 Mon, 18, May 2009 12:19 http://www.startribune.com/sports/outdoors/blogs/jerrykolter.html 45302702