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Unofficial rule 02 · Odie & Finn report

The Belly Tax

A dog rolls over. A belly appears. The human wonders: is this an invitation or a very comfortable sleeping position?

The fine print

Some dogs adore a gentle belly rub. Others prefer a scratch elsewhere, or no fuss at all. Finn recommends giving the dog a moment to make their position clear, preferably while he investigates the blanket.

Ask the dog

Look for a relaxed body and let your dog choose to come closer. Try a brief, gentle stroke, then pause. If they lean in or ask for more, you can continue; if they turn away, stiffen or move off, give them space. A dog showing their tummy can be resting or feeling unsure, so it is not always an invitation.

Children can learn this rule too: let the dog approach and leave whenever they choose.

Explore dog body language →