Dogs are our best friends, but we often do things that annoy them. From restricting their natural behaviors (like their sense of smell) to sending mixed signals, you could upset your furry friend without realizing it.
Of course, not all dogs are the same—what some hate might not bother another.
Still, understanding what our loyal companions need can help us avoid making them feel uncomfortable and strengthen the bond we share with them.
Here are 10 surprising things dogs hate that most owners don’t know about.
Contents
1. Loving Hugs
Giving your adorable pup a warm, fuzzy hug of appreciation can feel impossible to resist. However, many dogs actually dislike these types of loving gestures.
For canines, being hugged can feel threatening, especially when given by strangers.
To keep your furry friend comfortable, observe their body positions. If they lean away, avoid eye contact, or show signs of stress like lip licking or tense muscles, it’s best to skip the hug and offer affection in a way they enjoy.
Chest and belly rubs are the safest ways to show your love!
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2. Walking Without Exploring
Canines love their daily walks, but they’re about more than just exercise—they’re also a chance for your dog to explore and satisfy their curiosity.
If you only focus on the “all-business” side of the walk, rushing through it with a tight leash, your dog might start to feel frustrated.
Just like you would enjoy a walk if you could stop and explore, your dog will appreciate having the time to use their strong sense of smell.
Allowing them to stop and sniff is one of the best ways to bond with your dog and make the walk more enjoyable for your furry friend.
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3. Lacking Rules to Follow
You might find it surprising, but canines thrive when they follow structure and clear rules.
Just like children, dogs need boundaries to feel secure and confident. Without proper training, your dog may feel confused or anxious, leading to destructive behaviors.
Consistent commands are key here—if you allow certain behaviors sometimes but not others, your dog will struggle to understand what’s expected.
Positive reinforcement is a great way to reinforce good and calm behavior, helping your dog learn the rules in a way that builds trust and strengthens your bond.
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4. Teasing Too Much
Teasing dogs may seem harmless to some, but it can cause stress and lead to behavioral problems, and often aggressive behaviors.
Most dogs hate rough and mean plays, such as pulling their tail, barking at them through a window, or playing keep-away with their toys.
Here’s where learning about dog body language is important. If they seem tense, avoid eye contact, or show signs of discomfort, it’s a clear indication that the dog dislikes being teased.
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5. Giving Them Little Attention
Dogs are social creatures that desire companionship, so they generally hate being left alone.
Some dogs may be okay with the company of another dog, but many crave human attention and can experience separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
Try to spend as much quality time with your dog as possible when you’re home. Set a daily routine that includes exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy.
If you’re away frequently, consider finding a trusted pet sitter to ease your dog’s emotions and keep them content.
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6. Forcing Them to Make Friends
Although considered social animals, not all dogs are social butterflies so forcing them to “make friends” with every dog they encounter can cause unnecessary stress.
Even if your dog is generally friendly, they may not always want to interact with everyone, especially not with the delivery person!
It’s important to respect your dog’s boundaries and let them decide when they’re ready to make new friends—this way, they can feel more at ease in social situations.
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7. Staring Into Their Eyes
We typically find direct eye contact as a sign of affection or focus. However, dogs interpret it differently.
For canines, staring into their eyes—especially from a stranger—can be perceived as a challenge or even an act of aggression. This can make them feel threatened or anxious.
So, to show affection in a way that your dog comprehends, avoid intense, prolonged eye contact. Instead, approach with a calm, relaxed body posture and speak softly.
Understanding your dog’s body language cues and respecting their personal space helps prevent distressing or scary situations.
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8. Dressing Up
As fun as it may seem to dress your dog up for a costume party or just for laughs, most dogs aren’t as thrilled about it as their humans are.
While many dogs tolerate a simple shirt or sweater, yours may dislike the feeling and smell of clothing, especially if it’s too tight or covers their head and feet.
If your dog needs extra warmth in cold weather, start with light clothing and make sure to use positive reinforcement, like treats, to help them feel comfortable.
Pay close attention to their body language as well.
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9. Interrupting Their Sleep
Dogs, like humans, enjoy taking naps. So, though it might seem tempting to wake your dog up for a quick cuddle or playtime, it’s important to respect their rest.
Waking them abruptly from a deeper sleep can startle them and cause stress. Dogs, particularly older ones, sleep more soundly and may not react well to being disturbed.
In short, unless you have a good reason to wake them up, let your furry friend enjoy their snooze in peace!
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10. Patting Your Dog on the Head
Many dog owners are surprised to learn that petting a dog on the head is not as welcomed as it seems.
Sure, your dog may tolerate it, especially if they know and trust you, but most canines typically find this gesture uncomfortable or even threatening.
This is especially true for unfamiliar dogs, as approaching their head can make them feel vulnerable.
Instead, crouch down to the dog’s level and offer gentle chin or chest scratches. This approach is far more enjoyable and helps prevent aggressive reactions.
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Final Thoughts
Understanding dog behavior is essential to being a responsible pet owner. Canines are loyal, social, and eager to please, but they can become stressed or uncomfortable if their needs and preferences are not respected.
Being aware of these 10 things your dogs find annoying and adjusting your actions accordingly will help strengthen your bond and ensure they stay happy and healthy!
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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.