Are dogs ticklish?

    • Gold Top Dog

    Are dogs ticklish?

    Whenever I rub my dogs tummies they kick.  Actually, the hind foot seems to go round and round, my DH calls it riding a bike.  Each dog has a particularly sensitive spot.  Peanut was much more sensitive as a pup, but with age, she's lost some of it and we really have to search to hit the right spot.  Draico seems to start kicking the moment you hit his lower ribs, then just keeps on going ang going; sort of like the Energizer bunny.
    Does this mean the dogs are ticklish? or Does this mean they're content and enjoying it?
    • Gold Top Dog
    We always called it the "motorcycle spot" because they look like they're trying to start a motorcycle. I always assumed it was a tickle response, but I don't know for sure. Good question!
    • Gold Top Dog
    I always thought it was because you hit on a itchy spot so they move their foot as if scratching the spot themselves.
    • Gold Top Dog
    My dog's spots move around.  At first he didn't have any, but he gradually became more sensitive, and now there is a pretty good chance you'll hit a couple of scratchy spots. 
     
    It doesn't look comfortable to me at all, but I assume he likes it, or else he'd get up and walk away.  But he just lies there, air-scratching.  Silly dog! 
    • Gold Top Dog
    Harley is ticklish for sure but he doesn't kick like he is itching, he jumps straight in the air like a kid trying to get away and makes this noise he makes!  I am not sure if we have found one on Izzy yet or not. 
    • Gold Top Dog
    ORIGINAL: acesmom

    My dog's spots move around.  At first he didn't have any, but he gradually became more sensitive, and now there is a pretty good chance you'll hit a couple of scratchy spots. 

     
    Same with Riley.