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Issue 16: February 10

Dear Max, When I tickle my dog’s side stomach, he starts kicking his back leg. Why does he do this? Is he ticklish? –Ashley Dear Ashley, The reaction you’re describing is called the “scratch reflex.” And though I’d like to take credit (it always makes you humans laugh!), it’s actually an involuntary response that we dogs can’t control—much the way your leg jerks when the doctor taps you below the knee. Click here to read more about THE SCRATCH REFLEX. -Max