Dogs are total goofballs when they’re in a good mood. But, like us pet owners, they can get a bit grumpy too.
Anyone who’s ever been late with dinner knows that look! Their body language says it all.
Want to know if you’ve genuinely ticked off your pup? Below are 10 signs your dog is definitely mad at you and what you can do about them.
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Is My Dog Mad at Me?
Dogs don’t hold grudges like humans do. When they seem upset, it’s more about an immediate reaction to something that feels wrong or threatening.
Imagine someone snatching your food bowl mid-meal or yanking away your favorite toy. You’d feel pretty upset too if it happened to you.
It’s not that they’re “mad” in a personal, spiteful way. What looks like anger is really just a survival response. It’s more of getting startled, defensive, or frustrated.
In short, they don’t intend to make you feel bad—it’s just their instinct to respond that way.
If you’re worried your dog is upset, watch for these 10 warning signs.
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1. Avoids Eye Contact
Dogs are masters at using their canine body language to communicate. A pup who usually greets you with those soulful puppy-dog eyes but suddenly won’t meet your gaze might be telling you they’re feeling off.
What to Do: Rebuild trust through positive reinforcement, like rewarding them when they look at you voluntarily.
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2. Stares Hard at You
Intense, unblinking stares are a common sign of tension. This type of look can sometimes precede signs of aggression, like barking or growling.
What to Do: Look for other signs of aggression. Are their ears pinned back? Are they showing teeth? If so, give them space and evaluate what might be triggering this behavior.
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3. Ignores Commands
Does your typically well-trained pup suddenly start ignoring basic commands like “sit” or “come”?
Some dogs are naturally stubborn, but a sudden case of selective hearing sometimes means something’s up. It could be that they’re upset or distracted by something, and ignoring commands might be their way of expressing it.
What to Do: Reinforce training with patience and consistency. Try engaging activities like ball games or a game of fetch to win back their attention.
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4. Becomes Destructive
Chewing up shoes, shredding couch cushions, or knocking over objects are classic signs of destructive behavior. While this can be linked to boredom or lack of exercise, it’s also your dog’s way of showing they’re unhappy or anxious.
What to Do: Ensure your dog gets plenty of mental and physical stimulation. A tired dog is a happy dog! Puzzle toys and additional exercises can help curb destructive tendencies.
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5. Refuses Food
If your dog is suddenly extra nippy or refusing treats—which, let’s be real, is weird for a dog— it might be a sign you’ve upset them. But before assuming you’re in the doghouse, check if this behavior is only directed at you.
If they’re still happily accepting treats from others in your home, it could be their way of showing they’re not thrilled with something you did.
On the other hand, refusing food from everyone is definitely something to keep a close eye on.
What to Do: Try hand-feeding small portions to encourage eating. If they continue refusing food for more than a day or two, don’t wait—consult your vet to rule out any health concerns.
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6. Whines and Barks
Excessive whining or barking, especially in situations where your dog is usually calm, can mean feelings of frustration or anxiety. Sometimes this aggressive behavior is directed at you, as if they’re saying, “I’m upset, pay attention!”
What to Do: Address the root cause. Are they hungry, in pain, or feeling neglected? Providing undivided attention and meeting their needs can help soothe their nerves.
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7. Acts Distant or Aloof
Is your bouncing ball of energy suddenly skulking off to a corner? Weird and alarming, right? It can be that they’re upset with you, but acting aloof or hiding can also be related to medical issues or emotional discomfort.
What to Do: Observe their behavior closely. If this lasts for an extended period of time, check in with your vet to rule out health problems ASAP. If it’s a behavioral issue, consult a board-certified veterinary behaviorist.
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8. Gives You Side-Eyes
The infamous “whale eyes” is often a sign of mild irritation or distrust. This body language is unmistakable—it’s like your dog is throwing shade!
What to Do: Reflect on recent interactions. Did you scold them harshly or accidentally step on their tail? Use gentle, reassuring communication to rebuild their confidence.
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9. Avoids Physical Contact
Does your dog pull away when you try to pet them? Avoiding physical contact can be an alarming sign that they’re feeling upset. The worst case scenario is they’re physically unwell, so monitor for other symptoms.
What to Do: Respect their boundaries and assess for any signs of pain or discomfort. If this behavior persists, consult a veterinary behaviorist for advice.
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10. Licks Paws Excessively
Excessive paw licking can be a stress response, much like how humans might bite their nails when nervous. While this can also point to allergies or other medical conditions, it’s worth considering their emotional state.
What to Do: Rule out any medical issues first. If it’s stress-related, behavior modification techniques like providing a calm environment and consistent positive reinforcement can help.
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Final Thoughts
There you have it, dog parents—10 signs your dog is definitely mad at you.
Dogs, in a way, are like tiny humans. They also feel negative emotions like anger or annoyance. So, keep an eye on these common body language cues.
As responsible pet parents, it’s up to you to understand their signals and provide the care, attention, and reassurance they need.
Lastly, pay extra attention if your dog is showing aggression, destructive behavior, or other alarming signs. Don’t hesitate to seek help from a qualified expert, such as a veterinary behaviorist or canine behavior expert.
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Amanda created and owns The Discerning Cat. A lifelong cat lover she is the proud parent of two Siberian cats, Alexei and Vladimir. She is passionate about understanding cats and different cat breeds.