2. Patting her head

Similar to hugging, patting a dog on the head can be perceived as a gesture of dominance, especially for dogs with a history of abuse, explains Dr. Warren. “Many dogs find the downward movement intimidating, which may lead to behaviors like closing their eyes, flinching, or moving away from your hand,” she says. If you notice these signs of being head shy, Dr. Warren advises starting with gentle touches under the chest and gradually progressing to scratch behind the ears.

If your dog begins to show unusual aversion to having her head touched, Dr. Warren suggests carefully examining her head and ears. “She could be experiencing an ear infection or toothache,” she points out. Learn more about identifying signs that your dog may be experiencing discomfort or pain.