Hugging your dog got controversial last month after some new research suggested dogs tend to show signs of discomfort, stress or anxiety when hugged by humans. However, the findings were not part of a peer-reviewed study, meaning they were pretty far from being scientific fact.
"This was a set of casual observations," psychology professor and dog behavior expert, Stanley Coren, who wrote about the observations in Psychology Today, told The Washington Post. The bottom line is that a more formal research would be needed to say one way or the other whether dogs really don't like hugs, Coren said. (Though dog behaviorists do warn that people should pay attention to body language, and never assume that a dog wants to be hugged.)
But when it comes to hugging other pups, the pitbulls in this video are sending a strong message that they are totally cool with it. We're talking tail-wagging-happy. And if dogs get the same perks from cuddling that people do, it's no wonder these canines are getting close.
In humans, cuddling (even for just 10 minutes) can cue the body to release chemicals that help you bond with your partner, decompress after a stressful day and feel overall better, thanks to the release of the hormone oxytocin, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Oxytocin can relieve pain, boost your immune system and help you sleep.
Cuddle on.
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