Just like humans, dogs are social creatures that don't like being alone. Giving them company all the time could spell trouble, since they might learn to be too dependent on you. At its worst, a dog that is too used to the constant company of its paw-rent could develop a case of separation anxiety.
What happens if you give your dog too much affection?
Affection is an important part of the human dog bond and when thoughtfully utilized, can be beneficial for both dog and owner. However badly timed affection can worsen problems, build over stimulation, reward inappropriate behavior, and create instability in some dogs.
How much affection should I give my dog?
Give affection from the heart and give it in short meaningful spurts. This becomes a powerful reward for dogs that have learned to appreciate it and want it. Most affection should be reserved for when a dog responds to our requests. That could be something as simple as asking the dog to come a couple feet toward you.
Do I cuddle my dog too much?
Yes, you can love your dog too much. To truly understand this you have to look at the correlation between love and behavior. A basic tenet of behavior is that animals, including both dogs and people, will repeat behavior that rewards them in some way and will not repeat behavior which does not.
Can I kiss my dog too much?
The fact is that dogs and humans have comparable amounts of bacteria in their mouths, and the chances of getting sick from your dog's kisses are low. Still, the CDC warns of the possibility of transferring diseases mouth-to-mouth between pets and their human parents (like Giardia and staph infections).
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