Why do dogs like their bellies rubbed?
 

Maybe someone can help me with this one.
I once assumed that all dogs just love to be scratched/rubbed most in areas that are tough to reach for them e.g. chest, between eyes etc.

But my dog, Albert, seemed to be suspiciously ecstatic one time while I rubbed his chest. So I wondered ... is this making him "horny?" I think someone told me that rubbing the male dog chest simulates the rubbing he gets when he's mounting a female. Any truth to that? BTW - Albert has all his "equipment" in tact.

I'm just curious.

Depends on if your hand slipped - kidding. And I can sure understand why female dogs would like it!

Hey, I like my belly rubbed, along with my back, my shoulders. Nothing like a good massage.

Same reason people like it.

Edit: Sensitive spot, sign of submission, and trust.

Dogs are pack animals and we, as their owners, are the alphas. A sign of obedient submission is for the dog to offer up its most vulnerable area-the belly. We accept this offering (rubbing, etc.), which makes the pet very happy as we're showing them their accepted place in our 'pack'.

Dogs also just love the attention of thier superiors. Remember you are thier universe.

i like mine rubbed as well hahaha

I think the furless area might also be more sensitive because they can feel you directly on their skin. But this is pure conjecture.

Same for me, in fact I wonder how many other animals like it as well. I know that my cat did too.

This is why I have great pity for the porcupine.