Day 17: How To Pet Mikey

There's a right way and a wrong way to do everything.  Petting Mikey is no different.

Petting dogs may seem like the easiest thing in the world.  But Mikey generally doesn't like the traditional "pet from above" action.  If you try to pet the top of his head, he'll often back off, and if you try to pet his back, he'll almost always flinch and evade you.  People usually try these places first, and then Mikey backs off. Then they don't try again. Poor Mikey.

Look at those fluffy furry jowls!

But when YOU meet Mikey, he won't flinch away! You will know the trick.  The trick to petting Mikey is two- part, and BOTH are counter- intuitive! One: you must come from underneath.  Two: you must anticipate that he will back up exactly two small steps.  These can be tricky to do in combination, but you're in luck!  I have provided a step- by- step guide.

Learn how to pet me!

1) Slowly move your open hand, fingers outstretched, toward the underside of Mikey's chin, but do not touch him.

2) Let Mikey sniff your hand.  If you're lucky, he may give you a small lick with his pink tongue. (Odd of getting licked increase if you just handled food.)

3) Move your hand slightly closer to his jowl.  I always start with his left jowl (on my right side).

4) This is when he will back up exactly two small steps.  This is okay.  He's not running away, just backing up a bit. You should stay right where you are.

5) After a moment, then you may reach out and pet his left jowl.  You can really get your fingernails in there and scratch a bit. He seems to really enjoy this, even though I imagine he probably can't feel much, with all his fur.

6) You'll know you've done it exactly right if he presses his head against your hand.  Awwww.

7) Resist the urge to grab his other jowl to pet both and snuggle his furry face.  This is advanced petting.  Do not attempt unless you are a professional.