Student Question About Dogs

Student Question About Dogs

This might sound silly, but I'm a teacher and my class has a question board where students are allowed to submit science-related questions about the world.

A student asked me why dogs kick, seemingly involuntarily, when you pet them sometimes; especially on the belly. Is this some sort of reflex, or is it their way of showing that they like it?

~~ David Atkins

Expert Reply

Hello David,

What a great question. My answer isn't terribly scientific, but here goes. The reaction is initially a voluntary reflex and a sign that the dog likes the stimulation.

Certain places on a dog's body, as well as a human's, are extra sensitive due to a greater clustering of nerves in the location. With dogs, this is usually around the tummy and on the rump just in front of the tale. When we rub or scratch just the right spot, our dogs start to move one of their rear legs in a sympathetic scratching motion. It's as if they're saying, "Yes, that's the spot!", and they would probably take over the scratching if they could only reach that spot for themselves.

I hope that answers your student's question, and please say hello to the class for me.

~~ Kelly