Yay for National Hug Your Dog Day!

So 10th April is a favourite for all dogs in the world who love a big fat HUG!

This day was initially started in the UK and is believed to have been created by Ami Moore, an author and canine behaviorist. Initially called National Hug Your Hound day, it was created to appreciate dogs for the companionship and loyalty that they demonstrate to us.

Here's some top reasons why: 

• Present in both humans and dogs, oxytocin, a hormone associated with love, attachment and trust is released from the brain when you hug your dog.
• Hugging your dog gives both of you a sense of unconditional love and connection.
• Hugging your dog calms and relieves stress no matter how bad of a day you have had.
• Hugging your dog lets them know you appreciate their loyalty and friendship.
• Hug your dog often simply because life is short and in his/her mind it probably feels like years since you hugged them last.

Please remember it's important to only hug your dog if you know they like it.  So keep an eye out for the signs that you might be stressing them instead of making them happy.

To figure out if your dog is a hugger, it's good to observe their behaviour at the time you snuggle.  Check for any signs of anxiety, like turning their head away to avoid eye contact, whining or barking, yawning, or ears down for example.