It’s unclear whether dogs can experience gargalesis, although many dog owners seem to believe they do. It just hasn’t been studied and observed the same way as knismesis has. Knismesis is the source of a dog’s “scratch reflex. ” This is the natural scratching and shaking a dog will do when they feel something foreign on their skin. To clarify, dogs will not find this kind of tickling funny, although they may find it very satisfying, kind of like that feeling you get when you scratch an itch.
Thump their foot and smile. Lean into your hand or follow your hand around when you stop. Wag their tail, raise their ears, or shake their body. Look you in the eye. Some dogs may even laugh, where they let out a little smiling pant.
Shy away from you or avoid your hand. Yip or growl in response to your tickle. Tuck their tail, pull their ears back, and show their teeth. Try to make themselves smaller by balling up.
Take your dog’s previous behavior into account. If they normally love belly rubs, they’ll probably enjoy having their belly tickled.
There’s a reason dogs love scratching behind their own ears!
This also tends to be a great bonding spot for you and your dog if you’ve just adopted them!
This is also why your dog may give you such a hard time when you try to trim their nails.
If you’re playing a little rough with your dog or wrestling and they roll over, it’s probably a combat tactic. They need a break, so give them a second to catch their breath before you keep playing. [14] X Research source
Some dogs will roll over when they’re scared. If your dog tucks their tail when they do this or they whimper, sit with them and give them treats to let them know you aren’t a threat. You two will build a bond, it just takes time!
