Canine expert shares six warning signs you should stop touching your pet

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A dog behaviour specialist has revealed the lesser-known signs that could mean your pooch is distressed and it's time to stop petting them.Dogs may be wonderful, affectionate animals, but it's crucial to recognise they are still creatures with their own comfort zones.Since dogs can't tell us when they're feeling uncomfortable, they express it in different ways, which might include aggressive reactions that could lead to injury if they feel threatened or scared.Certified dog trainer and proprietor of Five By Five Canine, Bronagh Daly, has highlighted six warning signals that suggest you should cease contact with your dog immediately.

Bronagh took to TikTok to enlighten her 509,000 followers, detailing the six signs to watch for and advising on the steps to take should you notice any of them.Bronagh advised: "If you're petting a dog and you very suddenly see or feel them stop moving, remove your hand."She warned: "If you are petting a dog and you can feel the muscles tensing under your hand, remove your hand right away."Bronagh explained: "If you are petting a dog and you can initially hear them breathing and all of a sudden they become very silent, remove your hand,".She noted: "Although this is the opposite, if you're petting a dog and all of a sudden they start breathing heavily, again remove your hand."Bronagh, an expert in canine behaviour and aggression, clarified the signs to watch for when interacting with dogs: "This is generally your precursor to a growl," she advised, suggesting that it's best to remove your hand from the dog and step back if you notice this behaviour.She continued, advising pet owners on how to react if their dog seems uncomfortable: "If you feel them lean away or move away at all, remove that