Listen to original story from PTR #274 (right near the end)


Our first show back with Dr Harry Cooper - and he's already thrown open an interesting question for you.

Dr Harry's not convinced pets - dogs in particular - like to be cuddled. 
A few listeners took the time to write in with their stories and photos - as we get more we'll put them up here...

Got a cuddly pet? - Get in touch with us and tell the world!

Q: Do Pets Like Being Cuddled? -  YES!

Hi Brian & Kaye!

I'm on your side in the hug debate!

This is my partner Jim with our Doberman Leela. She absolutely loves cuddles and really snuggles into us to make sure she gets them. She is quite comfortable here, I cannot stress enough how much she loves to be cuddled. 

Our other dog Bender (a Rottweiler x Doberman) on the other hand tolerates them. We try to cuddle him but he pulls away. He loves pats and attention but just not being hugged all that much. He would much rather play a game of fetch like Dr Harry says and we respect that. And that is how we show that we care for him. 

Some people have commented that we "love Leela more" because we show her more physical affection, but it's just because she likes it and Bender would rather us throw the frisbee. And it's so much fun to hug a dog that appreciates it!

I guess she doesn't really know it as a "hug" as such but she does really love to be close to us and she puts her head up next to ours and rests it against us. If for example I'm sitting on the lounge room floor, she'll come up and sit next to me and lean right into me. Of course we cannot help but put our arms around her and then she's even happier.

As soon as Leela suspects we are coming up for a cuddle she usually rolls on her back and we can give her a huge bear hug and she is absolutely in her element!

Our dogs are so different we always joke that they are different species.
Good luck with the debate! ;)
Jules.

Q: Do Pets Like Being Cuddled? -  YES!

Brianna actually asks for cuddles. She comes and stands beside my chair and whimpers until I pick her up and then she settles herself on my lap and goes to sleep. 

If I am ignoring her and one of the other family members picks her up she will sit on their lap and stare at me, and cry softly to herself until I say, “Brianna do you want a cuddle?” at which time she will jump off whoever’s lap she is on and come over to me. 

Sometimes she just climbs across from the chair beside mine and gets on my lap without any invitation, especially when I am preoccupied on the phone. 

If you lie down beside Brianna on the bed, she will snuggle up to you and put her arm (front leg) around you as if to cuddle you. She definitely understands the sentence, “Brianna do you want a cuddle?” and yes, she is spoilt!!

Wendy Herne - Associate Producer - PTR

Q: Do Pets Like Being Cuddled? -  YES!

Hi Guys,

My boys DEFINITELY like cuddling and snuggling. And we're talking 2 big working breeds!
Tucker is a cuddlemuffin - he lurves snuggling up.

Caleb will come and nudge you until you let him in under your arm to snuggle. (I used to do the same to my dad when I was little!)

I also use a big body hug as a non-aggressive way to assert my "dominance". Every so often I envelope each dog in a massive bear hug and hold it for a few moments - they are quite relaxed but would not tolerate any one else doing it. Much more humane than an alpha roll!!!!

Unfortunately, no-one is around to take photos :( 

Cheers, Hannah 

Photo - above: - Cordie's Rescue co-ordinator Jacqueline Marchant loves cuddling big dogs!

Q: Do Pets Like Being Cuddled? -  NO!

Hi Kaye & Brian,

I agree with Dr Harry - No they don’t
You could probably massage them all day but cuddling is a different story
They don’t understand the cuddle & break free of it

That’s what I've found anyway! 
Sandra S.

Photo - right: - Woollahra 'People & Pets Day' - We're not so sure these dogs are enjoying their cuddles!

Got a cuddly pet? - Get in touch with us and tell the world!

Even if you don't think dogs or cats should be cuddles - let us know..