Please Stop Hugging Your Dog

You need to stop hugging your dog. I don't care how floppy his ears are or how far his tongue lolls. Shut it down.

For a recent study published by Psychology Today, a researcher examined photos of dogs and their humans, and found that 82 percent of dogs display signs of great anxiety when hugged: flattened ears, heads turned away, and whites of the eyes showing. The dogs, no matter how patient and loyal and cute, were obviously distressed. Because of you and your undying need for affection.

Dogs hate hugs for a fairly simple reason: Dogs run — they run toward balls, they run away from danger. But when you hug them, they can't run. You thwart their flight instinct. Its like if someone holds your arms behind your back. It doesn't hurt, but it doesn't make you feel in control either.

So love your dog, your best friend, your buddy, with everything you've got. He's such a good boy! Just love him from a distance.