Dogs are our best friends, but sometimes we do things that bug them without knowing it. Just like humans, dogs have their own likes and dislikes. What we think is fun or normal might actually be stressful or annoying for our furry pals.
In this article, I’ll look at 15 common things people do that dogs really don’t like. Knowing about these can help you understand your dog better and make your friendship even stronger.
Hugging
While we love hugs, most dogs don’t. To them, it feels like being trapped. Dogs show affection differently, like wagging their tails or leaning against you. If you want to show love, try gentle petting instead of hugging.
Staring directly into their eyes
In dog language, direct eye contact can be a threat. It makes them feel uncomfortable or scared. Instead of staring, try looking at your dog softly and blinking slowly. This is a friendly sign in dog body language.
Yelling or loud noises
Dogs have sensitive hearing, so yelling or loud noises can be scary for them. Even if you’re not mad at your dog, they might think you are. Try to keep your voice calm and use a normal tone when talking to your dog.
Teasing
Some people think it’s funny to pretend to throw a ball or hold a treat out of reach. But this just confuses and frustrates dogs. They don’t understand jokes the way we do. Always follow through when you offer a game or treat.
Dressing them up
While some dogs don’t mind clothes, many find them uncomfortable. Costumes can restrict their movement and make them feel trapped. If you want to dress up your dog, start with something simple and watch how they react.
Rushing walks
Walks are about more than just exercise for dogs. They love to sniff and explore. When we rush them, we’re taking away a big part of what makes walks fun. Try to give your dog time to sniff and enjoy the outdoors.
Inconsistent rules
Dogs like to know what to expect. If you let them on the couch sometimes but not others, it confuses them. Try to keep the rules the same all the time. This helps your dog understand what’s okay and what’s not.
Forcing them to meet other dogs or people
Not all dogs want to say hi to everyone they see, and forcing them into these meetings can be stressful. Let your dog choose if it wants to meet new friends. If it hangs back, respect their choice.
Leaving them alone for too long
Dogs are social animals and don’t like being alone for long periods. It can make them anxious or sad. If you need to be away, try to arrange for someone to check on your dog or consider doggy daycare.
Using strong scents
Dogs have a much stronger sense of smell than we do. Strong perfumes, cleaners, or air fresheners can be overwhelming for them. Try to use unscented products when possible, especially near your dog’s bed or food area.
Waking them up suddenly
Just like humans, dogs don’t like being startled awake. It can make them grumpy or even scared. If you need to wake your dog, do it gently by calling their name softly or making a small noise nearby.
Ignoring their body language
Dogs communicate with us through their body language. When we ignore signs that our dogs are scared or uncomfortable, they lose trust in us. Learn to read your dog’s signals, like tail position or ear movement, to understand how they’re feeling.
Patting their head
Many dogs don’t like being patted on top of their head. It can feel threatening to them. Most dogs prefer being pet on their chest, shoulders, or the base of the tail. Watch how your dog reacts to different types of petting to see what they like best.
Changing their routine
Dogs like having a regular schedule. Big changes to their routine can make them anxious. Try to keep meal times, walks, and bedtime consistent. If you need to make changes, do it gradually to help your dog adjust.
Blowing in their face
Some people think it’s funny to blow in a dog’s face, but most dogs hate this. It’s startling and uncomfortable for them, and it can even make some dogs aggressive. Respect your dog’s personal space and avoid blowing in their face.
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