[Blue Jays]

That is what I do, too. Or scratch them on their hips.
Some dogs headbutt into me so I scratch behind their ears.
Most dogs seem to like that. I agree they tend to feel distressed with a "bear hug" embrace.

[Boogieman]

In my experience, ALL dogs like being scratched behind the ears... that’s my go-to move with a new dog I meet. Usually I do that, and I have a friend forever :)

[Boogieman]

One thing though, don’t scratch them with your fingernails, cuz you can hurt them, I do it with my knuckles, and they like that better.