Why petting confuses guinea pigs....but they like it anyway!

[EmmieMMM]

Many guinea pigs like to be petted--as long as it's how they like it. Often it's in long, calming strokes. If I do it the wrong way, my piggy will tell me by bumping my hand away or softly "rrrrrs" at me.
But petting guinea pigs must confuse they because it is a submissive behavior. In a pair of bonded piggies, the submissive one will "groom" the dominant piggy. So, they must wonder why a giant is grooming them.

 

[Bill & Ted]

I’ve never thought of it from their perspective, as long as it’s on their terms then I think it’s ok