Chihuahua kisses
Do Chihuahuas Like to Be Kissed?
A kiss is not just a kiss. To us, humans, a kiss is a sign of love and affection. Studies show that hormones produced during kissing promote a more intimate bond and attachment in human beings.
Similarly, it is natural for you to show love to your cute furry pal via a kiss.
Do Chihuahuas Understand the Kissing Language?
Before we dive into whether chis enjoy being kissed (or not), let’s start with the basics.
Do our canine friends understand kisses? Do they even have an idea what kisses mean?
It is essential to point out that although dogs are brilliant animals, they do not speak the human language. Their actions are different from those of their human owners.
Unlike human beings who depend on spoken, written, or sign language to communicate with each other, dogs rely on facial expressions and body posture to communicate their needs.
The problem is that, amongst themselves, the dogs communicate flawlessly. For humans who have never spoken dog language, it can be quite challenging to understand the message our pets are trying to communicate.
Although numerous tests have been done on dogs’ behavioral characteristics, researchers are yet to discover any significant similarities between a man’s and dog’s communication language.
Back to our main question of whether chihuahuas really understand what a kiss means.
The short and straightforward answer to this is no. They don’t.
On the brighter side, dogs are brilliant animals. Just like they’re easy to train, dogs can easily understand our human behavior. Your chi can read your facial expressions and associate them with emotion.
If you like to kiss your dog when you are leaving the house, your dog will associate kisses with being left home. Similarly, a dog that is showered with kisses for good behavior will associate kisses to approval.
Do Chihuahua Like Kisses?
Chihuahuas love attention. Besides being cute, small, and easy to carry, chihuahuas are also very cuddly. They love to be held, carried around, and they’ll often curl up on your laps.
Due to their personality, it is common for us to want to return a gesture of affection as proof that we also love them. Most people will hug and kiss their pups as often as they can.
I want you to imagine something for a moment: How does it feel when a distant relative or an acquittance comes and hugs you passionately out of the blues? Weird and somewhat awkward, right? It is even worse when they hug you when you are in a bad mood.
In the same way, dogs do not start to play with each other the moment they meet.
If we were to learn from their behavior, then it is correct to infer that dogs love to be approached gradually without making them feel threatened.
However, as stated earlier, dogs are quick to learn. They will quickly associate kisses and pecks with love and affection.
It is extremely important that as a dog owner, you are watching your pup’s reactions keenly. While some dogs love to be kissed, others will stand being kissed since it’s a habit they’ve been trained to take up as usual.
Take time to check your chis reaction. If they display signs of discomfort or being threatened, those are signs enough that they don’t like to be kissed. Others may even pull back or stiffen the body to show they’re not for the kiss.
Unwanted kisses are the most common cause of dog bites (especially with children). If a dog feels threatened, they’ll probably attack back by biting. That’s why it is vital that you also teach your kids various warning signs from dogs that their kisses are not wanted at that specific time.
If a dog has been trained and socialized from the word to understand that kisses are a sign of affection, they’ll learn to enjoy being kissed. They’ll also feel less threatened and are unlikely to attack back.
The trick to understanding dogs and kisses is training them and then observe them. You’ll train them that kisses are signs of affection. By observing them closely, you’ll quickly tell when your pup isn’t in the mood to receive kisses.
Bonus Tips: How to Show Your Chi That You Love Them
Eye Contact
Have you ever seen your pup throw a long loving gaze to you while probably waving their tail from side to side? Dogs communicate through facial expressions and body language. These gazes are the dog’s way of telling you they love you.
Similarly, consider reciprocating the gesture. Give them a kind and loving glaze each time they look at you.
Cuddles and Pats
We can’t overemphasize the fact that chihuahuas are cuddle bugs. They love to cuddle any day at any time. Their cuddly behavior is much attributed to their natural inclination to stay in groups. Dogs are pack animals, remember?
Physical contact is one of their most robust love languages. That’s why they love to be patted on the back. To show to them that you love them so, go that extra step of cuddling with your chi.
You can as well rub his ears, offer a gentle massage, or extend their grooming time.
However, although dogs love to cuddle, most do not like to be hugged. When you have your hands around your pets’ neck, they may feel trapped and even try to loosen up. Instead, keenly observe your chis reaction when you hug them. You’ll tell whether they like it or not.
Facial Expressions
Your dog can read your mood simply by looking at your facial expressions. Thus, try always to have positive facial expressions, such as a lovely smile on a bright and warm face, greeting, or playing with your dog.
Take Your Chi Out
Outings are fun. Your chihuahua will enjoy meeting new people, seeing new environments, and making a few new dog friends.
Taking your chi out to a dog park or a beach will allow them to release their excess energy in a relaxed environment.
Ensure outings are fun by incorporating a few fun activities to make every outing memorable.
It is best to take your chi to less crowded places. They’ll be more relaxed and are less likely to be bullied by strangers and other larger dog breeds.
Lean on Them
Have you ever seen your pup lean into your legs, especially when you are sitting next to each other? This is your pup’s way of seeking affection.
By leaning back towards your dog, you’re returning the gesture as a sign that you also love your chi.
Ways That a Chihuahua Shows They Love You
Jumping with Excitement
When your small cutie sees you, they’ll often greet you though you had been away for years. Your pup will jump up and down in excitement.
Though some people often see this as a little annoying, you must understand that your pup is only trying to express their love.
Your dog will also often lick your face with joy and may want you to pick them up. This is a rubber stamp to the degree of love your pup has for you.
Eye Contact
Unless a dog is comfortable around you, they’ll avoid making eye contact as they’ll often feel threatened. On the other hand, if your chi throws prolonged gazes your way, rest easy knowing your pup loves you.
Lean or Sit Beside You
If your chihuahua likes to lean or sit beside you when you’re relaxing on your bed or couch, this is a sure sign that your pet trusts you and is relaxed beside you.
Seeks Physical Affection
Does your chi like to be hugged, petted, cuddles, or carried around? They are trying to say that they like being around you.
Always reciprocate these gestures with a gentle and warm hug, pat, or cuddle.
Do chihuahuas like to be kissed? Well, it depends.
Some chis will be receptive to kisses and may even lick you back. Others may feel threatened and may even attack back.
It is all up to you to observe the behavior of your dog and make a decision.
However, there are many other ways that you can show affection to your dog. Make eye contact whenever possible. Pat them. Take them for outings. Cuddle with them.
Remember that the personalities of chihuahuas vary from one individual to the other. Thus, although one dog may love to be hugged and kissed, for another, a cuddle or pat is just perfect.
