We love our pets to bits, but sometimes, our well-meant actions can leave them feeling more stressed than blessed. From bear hugs to inconsistent house rules, there’s a whole list of human behaviours that rub our canine companions the wrong way.
Don’t worry, though. In this article, we’ll reveal ten things people do that dogs hate so you can level up your pet parenting game!
Contents
1. Hugs and Forehead Smooches (Yes, Really!)
As much as we love to shower our furry friends with affection, many dogs find hugs uncomfortable.
Canine behaviour expert Stanley Coren analyzed a sample of photos showing humans hugging dogs. The verdict? The pets displayed signs of stress or anxiety in over 80% of the photos. We’re talking downward ears, half-moon eyes, and “please get me out of here” expressions.
You could argue that the same goes for kisses and head pats. After all, to plant a forehead smooch on your pooch, you’ll likely bend over the poor pup and bring your face close to his face. Now, this could be perceived as a threat.
Some dogs may tolerate such gestures, especially if they’re trained therapy dogs. However, it’s essential to recognise your pet’s non-verbal cues. Instead of forcing the love, let your dog be the cuddle initiator. If you’ll initiate, at least try to crouch down to their level.
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2. Too Much Eye Contact
Those big, expressive eyes might tempt you into long gazes, but sustained eye contact can make your canine companion feel uneasy.
For dogs, direct staring can be interpreted as a challenge or threat, especially from strangers. And when a dog feels cornered or pressured, you can expect aggressive behaviour.
So, next time you’re tempted to look a dog (yours or a stranger’s) in the eye, remember to keep it brief and friendly.
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3. The “No Sniff” Policy During Walks
Imagine being rushed through your favourite store without being allowed to look at anything. That’s how your dog feels when you don’t let him stop and sniff during walks.
Allowing your pets to explore scents gives them a chance to satisfy their natural curiosity. Plus, it can improve the quality of your walks together.
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4. Keeping Your Dog on a Tight Leash
You might think keeping a tight leash helps you control your dog. However, it might send the wrong message. Often, a taut leash tells your pet you’re stressed. The result? He’ll get anxious.
Instead, aim for loose leash walking. It may take some practice, but mastering this skill will lead to more enjoyable walks for both you and your canine friend.
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5. Barking at Your Dog for Laughs
Remember the viral “bark at your dog” TikTok challenge? Yeah, let’s file that under “seemed like a good idea at the time.”
A dog’s confused or startled reaction might seem funny to some folks, but from the pet’s perspective, it’s a distressing experience.
You see, dogs recognise that it’s their human making the sound. Yet, they also understand that if another dog does the same, it could be a threat or challenge. This prank can lead to confusion, fear, and potentially aggressive responses.
Let’s try to treat our furry friends with kindness, avoiding pranks that could jeopardize their trust in us or lead to dangerous situations.
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We teach kids to share, but for dogs, it’s not always the best policy.
Forcing your pet to share toys or food with other dogs (or cats) in the household can create an uncomfortable situation and potentially lead to resource-guarding behaviour. Punishing a pup who won’t share toys will only make the situation worse, too.
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7. Playing Dress Up
Some pet owners get their furry friends used to wearing clothes gradually. Others just order a cute costume for their adult dog and hope for the best.
Well, many dogs find the experience uncomfortable. Some dogs might tolerate simple items like shirts but will absolutely hate anything on their heads or feet.
So, ask yourself: Is snapping a Halloween-themed pic of your dog worth putting your poor pet under undue stress? We think the answer is a resounding “no.”
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8. Overwhelming Your Dog’s Sense of Smell
Dogs have an incredibly powerful sense of smell. Their noses are way more sensitive than ours. Think 10,000 times more sensitive. That’s why a scent that might seem mild to us can be overwhelming for them.
Strong scents that dogs typically hate include strong perfumes, ground spices, citrus fruits, household cleaners, and nail polish. Overuse any of them around your pup, and you’ll irritate his nose.
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9. Breaking up a Puppy Fight
You might feel concerned when you see puppies nipping, growling, and tackling each other. However, this behaviour is normal play fighting that helps puppies develop crucial skills. Interrupting these sessions can actually hinder their development.
Unless you see signs of real fear (like a tucked tail or a pup trying to escape), just let your furry friends play.
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10. Sending Mixed Signals (And Commands)
Dogs are masters at reading our body language and tone, but they can get seriously confused when our signals don’t match up.
For example, if sitting on the couch is sometimes allowed and sometimes forbidden, it creates uncertainty for your pet. To avoid this, ensure everyone in your household is on the same page regarding house rules.
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Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, no two dogs are the same.
All you can do is pay attention to your dog’s body language whenever you’re spending quality time together. Remember that leaning away, averting eyes, lip-licking, pinned ears, and whining are all signs of discomfort.
Oh, and don’t think you’re out of the woods just because you’re a cat person. There are common behaviours that annoy cats, too!
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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.