Dogs are amazing animals. They make great companions and loyal protectors. It’s hard to imagine our lives without them.
Most people know what their dogs like and don’t like. Sometimes, dogs aren’t shy about expressing their feelings. Other times, dogs hold back, not letting on that anything is wrong.
As a pet owner, it’s important to know when you are doing things that your dog likes versus dislikes, or things that could hurt him. Dogs deserve respect and comfort. They also have limits. Some things cause them fear, stress, and frustration.
Here are 46 things that many people do that their pets hate. If you are doing one of these, you may notice your dog acting up or not being himself. Make sure you aren’t aggravating your dog unknowingly.
1. Using Words Instead Of Body Language
Dogs pick up on body language better than words. If you’re always screaming at your dog instead of attempting to communicate with him using body language, he won’t like it. Dogs get confused if body language says one thing and a voice says another. It’s best to be consistent with what you say and how you say it.
It’s your instinct to hug your dog, but he might not like it. Your dog doesn’t see a hug as a way of you showing love. He sees it as you trying to hold him down or restrict his movement. He might even feel it’s a sign of aggression. A nice belly rub would be much better for him.
Those adorable little faces are hard to resist, but dogs don’t like their faces petted. They may tolerate it, but they will never enjoy it. Dogs also see this as a sign of aggression. If your dog pulls away when you try to pet his face, let him do it. Rub his ears or pet him somewhere else.
You might want to pat your dog’s head if he has been a good boy or when you get home to see him, but he doesn’t want you to do that. It’s uncomfortable and confusing to him. It’s too much like hitting, and it’s too close to his face. Just pet him from the neck down instead. According to one dog training expert, Sarah Bartlett was interviewed by
the Mirror, patting dogs on the head is quite threatening.
You may have heard that you should never look a dog in the eyes. It’s true. Dogs see this as a challenge. Strange dogs may be even more challenged by it. It’s okay to glance at their face, but don’t make direct eye contact for long periods.
Dogs are like kids when it comes to structure. They thrive on it and are at their best when they know what people expect of them. Provide your dog some structure and let him know what he can and can’t do at an early age. He will be happier and better behaved.
Dogs need to have routines. They should eat, be let outside, and put to bed or crated at the same time every day. When they aren’t on a routine, they are more likely to have accidents and develop behavioral problems.
You might think that yelling at your dog is the best way to get your point across, but that’s not true. Yelling scares and confuses him. Your dog will respond better to firm, calm direction. Try not to yell.
Never hit or slap your dog as a punishment since he won’t react well to it. It can cause your dog to lose trust in you and not want to be around you anymore. There are other ways to discipline.
You might have certain people or their pets that you hope your dog will bond with, but if he doesn’t take to them, don’t force it. Dogs don’t want to be around people or animals they don’t like. Wait for your dog to come around or let him choose his friends.
11. Not Being Allowed To Explore During Walks
If you keep your dog on too tight a leash during a walk, he is missing out on the most important part of the experience. Dogs need to see and smell new things for stimulation. Let your dog look around, sniff things, and have fun.
12. Pulling Too Tightly On His Leash
Dogs hate it when their humans pull too tightly on their leashes. It hurts their necks and frustrates them. You may need to direct your dog, but try not to do it harshly or too often. Give your dog some space and never jerk or drag him around on the leash
.
Dogs react when they sense a person is tense. If you are always stressed around your dog, he will feel the same way. He may misbehave or act scared. Try to relax around your pet when possible.
If your dog is bored, he will act up and even become destructive. Dogs need toys, walks, and companionship to be at their best. Make sure your dog has plenty to do so he doesn’t get bored.
Dogs need some time to rest and relax. Always being stimulated can become overwhelming for them. Give your dog time to unwind and clear his head.
If your dog is upset or in trouble, don’t tease him. Don’t bark back or taunt him, especially when crated or behind a fence. Teasing your dog will only make him resent you.
A lot of dogs don’t like baths because they’re not fun. Although bathing your dog is necessary, it can cause him stress. Only give your dog a bath when he needs it
.
Dogs crave attention from their owners, and when they are home alone, they often feel sad and lonely. It may be a good idea to leave the radio on for your dog or provide him with a companion pet. Whenever you can, take your dog with you for car rides or to run small errands.
Most dogs are terrified of fireworks. They don’t know what they are and they feel threatened. Put your dog inside if there will be fireworks nearby. Give your dog a lot of reassurance to calm him down.
20. Being Treated Like A Baby
Your dog might be your baby, but he doesn’t like you treating him like one. He doesn’t want to be talked to like a baby either. Just treat your dog like a dog.
21. Leaning Over Your Dog
You may not even realize when you do this, but your dog sees you leaning over him as an act of aggression and a way of asserting dominance. Dogs don’t like it, and it scares them.
Sure, you want to kiss your dog, but those kissy faces you make at him are a challenge in the dog world. You can find other ways to show affection to your dog. Kisses aren’t friendly to him.
You probably know how your dog feels about this. Vacuuming around your pet is more stressful than you realize. Instead of just talking your dog through it, put him in a different room or let him outside. You’ll have an easier time finishing your chore, and your dog will feel better.
You may not be able to help yourself, but loud sneezing terrifies your dog. He thinks you are yelling at him. Cover your mouth and keep it down for your dog’s sake.
25. Allowing Kids To Climb On Him
Many people think it’s adorable to let their kids crawl and climb on the family dog. Not only do dogs dislike this, but it could also hurt them or cause them to snap at the child. Just don’t let this happen to avoid a problem.
When dogs go outside to potty, they want to take their time. It’s more than just using the bathroom; it’s a time to explore. Don’t rush your dog, instead, teach him to come back when he finishes.
Just like humans, dogs don’t want to share everything. If you have other dogs, make sure they all have individual toys and belongings.
Dogs hate to be tugged on and pulled. They feel like they are being forced to do something they don’t want to do and it scares them. Some dogs may see this as an act of aggression. Don’t pull on your dog.
If you crate your dog, make sure he has enough room to move around. Also, don’t give him a dog house that is too small. Your dog needs plenty of space. Being in a tight area can cause stress and pain.
While you can’t avoid this one, it’s a good idea to prepare your dog for a trip to the vet. If you have to take your dog to the vet and you know he’s scared, try to keep him calm. Make these appointments as easy as possible for everyone.
32. Being Put Away When Company Arrives
Dogs like to socialize and meet people. When you put your pet away when company comes over, he doesn’t get a chance to do that. Your dog also doesn’t get a chance to bond with your close friends and family. If you let them out, he will learn to behave better around new people.
Your dog doesn’t want his teeth brushed because he doesn’t like to have his face or mouth touched. You can buy dental sticks that will help clean your dog’s mouth without you brushing his teeth.
34. Being Covered With A Blanket
You might think covering up and tucking in your dog will make him feel safe, but it can actually scare him. Dogs don’t like covers because they make them feel like they are in a tight space. Your dog is just fine lying on top of the blankets.
35. Pulling On Their Ears
You might scratch your dog’s ears, but don’t pull on them. It’s painful, and he could think you are being mean. Never yank or pull on your dog’s ears and don’t let children do it either.
Don’t let your dogs eat onions as they contain an ingredient known as thiosulphate which is toxic for dogs.
Citrus foods are dangerous for dogs as it’s a painful experience for them to endure. They’ll have a high likelihood of having an upset stomach and can experience behavioral changes as a result.
Dogs shouldn’t consume raw tomatoes, including things like tomato sauce or ketchup. Tomatoes cause solanine toxicity in dogs which can be life-threatening.
Never feed your dog rhubarb. It can cause tremors, kidney failures, and hyperventilation.
While your dog can eat apple slices, don’t feed it apple cores or seeds. They contain cyanide, which is a kind of poison for your dog.
Yeast can transform into alcohol in a dog’s stomach which can be fatal. Bread is fine to feed your dog, but make sure it’s thoroughly cooked.
Xylitol is a common sweetner found in chewing gum, candy, and toothpaste. By consuming it, a dog’s body will release insulin which can cause liver damage or death.
Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure.
Avocados contain persin which is poisonous for a dog. It’ll cause serious stomach issues.
Most nuts are okay, but avoid macadamia nuts as they are toxic.
Garlic is toxic, so don’t feed it to your dogs.
SHARE this with your friends and family.
Dogs are amazing animals. They make great companions and loyal protectors. It’s hard to imagine our lives without them.
Most people know what their dogs like and don’t like. Sometimes, dogs aren’t shy about expressing their feelings. Other times, dogs hold back, not letting on that anything is wrong.
As a pet owner, it’s important to know when you are doing things that your dog likes versus dislikes, or things that could hurt him. Dogs deserve respect and comfort. They also have limits. Some things cause them fear, stress, and frustration.
Here are 46 things that many people do that their pets hate. If you are doing one of these, you may notice your dog acting up or not being himself. Make sure you aren’t aggravating your dog unknowingly.
