A dog’s hackles are the hairs that run along your dog’s spine. The hackles are supported by a set of muscles that can cause them to stand up.
We often associate a dog’s hackles standing up with intense, negative emotions, such as anger or aggression, but how true is this in reality? There are some misconceptions around hackles that even seasoned dog parents can believe, so it’s worth taking a closer look to see what’s true and what isn’t. If your dog’s hackles are raised, could they just be excited and wanting to play with their favorite toy?
