The One Spot Dogs Love Being Scratched (That Most People Miss)
We all know the belly rub and the behind-the-ear scratch. But at the shelter, we’ve noticed there is one spot that makes even the most nervous rescue dog close their eyes and lean in: The chest and the base of the neck.
Most people reach over a dog’s head to pet them, which can actually feel a bit threatening to a dog who has been mistreated. But when you go low and scratch the front of their chest, it’s a game-changer. It’s a vulnerable spot, and by letting you touch it, they are saying, "I trust you." Seeing a dog who used to flinch finally lean their chest into your hand? That’s the best feeling in the world.
