Sometimes videos like this one can make you wish you were a puppy.

Wouldn’t that be awesome? You just wander around smelling things, discovering the world, and if you’re lucky enough to have some awesome humans as your family, you’ll also get some amazing belly rubs!

Yes, the belly rub sure does have quite the impact on dogs, and puppies in particular often seem like they just can’t handle the excitement that comes from them.

Why dogs love belly rubs.

“Belly rubbing is a comforting action,” said Dr. Peter Brown to PetMD. “It’s an opportunity for bonding and part of our relationship with our dogs.”

Experts are left to only speculate as to why dogs love belly rubs so much. It’s most likely because they feel so good but why do they feel particularly good for dogs? One theory is that since dogs are not able to scratch their own tummies, they rely on us for that role. Scratching an itch you have previously been unable to reach can just feel great!

Dogs roll on their backs to show they are not a threat.

There are two reasons that dogs will roll on their backs and expose their tummies. The first is to show that they are not a threat. The second is so that we will rub their bellies. Anthrozoology instructor Christine Case spoke to PetMD about this.

“Rolling on their backs is a submissive behavior that dogs exhibit toward humans.” Case explains. “I think it would be difficult to determine whether dogs truly like this activity or if they have been trained to do so. The context of the situation should be evaluated.”

Not all dogs like belly rubs.

Not all dogs like belly rubs, however. Some just aren’t into them.

“Past experience could affect the dog’s like or dislike for the activity,” Case remarks. “If a dog does not like to have its belly rubbed, it does not mean there is anything wrong—perhaps it’s just [the dog’s] preference. It’s up to the individual animal”

Most experts agree, however, that when a dog shows their belly, it means they feel comfortable with everyone around them.

It’s like them saying they really feel part of the family or pack.

Puppies receiving their first belly rubs go viral.

The Life with Labradors YouTube channel posted a video of some young puppies receiving their first-ever belly rubs recently. Not surprisingly, the video went viral. It has been viewed over half a million times already.

“Introducing these adorable chocolate teddy bears to their first belly rubs,” a description of the video reads.

Many viewers of the video felt compelled to leave a comment as well.

“Omg they are so precious, and they’ve gotten larger. They look like brown versions of Mr.polar bear, i miss that rascal,” wrote one viewer.

“I just spend the last three and a half minutes grinning. These chocolate pups are adorable!” Wrote another.

“The inherent cuteness of this video just stopped 2 wars, 4 insurrections, several incidents of regional unrest and countless mass shootings,” wrote a particularly impressed viewer.

Watch these adorable puppies receive their first-ever belly rubs in the video below!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Source: Life With Labradors/The Spruce Pets/PetMD