HomeArt of LivingThings Humans Do That...

Things Humans Do That Dogs Hate

 

Dogs try to be our best friends, but we don’t always make it easy for them. Every now and then, we all do things dogs hate. Here are some of the common human actions that push dogs away by making them upset, nervous, stressed, or confused.

1. Using Words More Than Body Language
2. Hugging Your Dog
While you might love wrapping your arms around a furry canine friend, most dogs hate hugs.
3. Petting a Dog’s Face or Patting Her Head
Yet most humans think that dogs like being patted on the head.
The reality is that while many dogs will put up with this if it’s being done by someone they know and trust, most dogs don’t enjoy it. You may notice that even the loving family dog might lean away slightly when you reach for her face to pet her. It’s a personal space issue for dogs just as much as it is for us.

 

 

Interact with your dog by gently petting her back or rear, but don’t pat, and definitely don’t go for the dog’s face. If you really want to reward your dog, give them a rub on their rear end right by the tail; that’s their favorite place to get petted. A belly rub, a little ear massage, and a scratch on the underside of the chin, front of the neck, or sides of the thighs are sure to make your dog happy.

Petting releases the feel-good hormone oxytocin in both dogs and humans, so be sure to do it—just do it in the right places, with the right approach. It is also a form of bonding and it reassures the dog that you are his or her beloved owner.

4. Walking Up to a Strange Dog While Looking Her in the Eye
While we humans view steady eye contact as an important sign of trustworthiness or focus, it is part of establishing dominance for many species, including dogs.
The dog might still want nothing to do with you, but at least you didn’t approach in a scary way that could cause a defensive or aggressive reaction.
5. Not Providing Structure and Rules
You might think having strict rules makes life boring or unhappy for your dog, but dogs really want to know what’s right and wrong according to their leader.

When establishing those boundaries, it’s important to be consistent; dogs don’t understand exceptions to rules. They don’t understand that they’re allowed to jump on you when you have leisure clothes on but not when you have work clothes on. They don’t understand that they’re allowed on the couch after a bath but not after coming in from a romp in the mud.

Additionally, saying “no” for breaking a rule but not actually doing something to help the dog stop the behavior and learn the rule is not effective enforcement. Dogs thrive when they know where the boundaries are, and when you spend time enforcing consistent boundaries with positive rewards, you also are building up their trust in you as a leader.

6. Forcing Your Dog to Interact With Dogs or People She Clearly Doesn’t Like
Yet, many dog owners ignore this or simply fail to read the cues their dog is giving them. It is common for enthusiastic owners to push their dogs into social situations at dog parks or allow strangers to give them pets despite the dog clear signs of wanting to be left alone.

True, there is value in encouraging shy, fearful, and reactive dogs out of their comfort zones so that they can develop necessary social skills, However, knowing the difference between gentle boundary-pushing and forcing an interaction is vital to your dog’s safety and sanity.

When dogs are pushed too far in social situations, they’re more likely to lash out; after giving multiple cues, their last resort for sending a clear message is to use their teeth.

7. Going for Walks Without Giving an Opportunity to Explore and Smell
8. Keeping a Tight Leash, Literally
By keeping a slack leash, you’re letting your dog know that there’s no reason to be worried or tense—that you are calm and in control so your dog is free to be calm as well.
9. Being Tense
Tension on the leash isn’t the only way a dog can pick up how you’re feeling. The more stressed and wound-up you are, the more stressed and wound-up your dog is. And dogs, just like us, don’t like stress.
10. Being Boring
Just like children can be bored while running errands with their parents, dogs abhor when their owners are boring.
11. Teasing
Many people think it’s funny to tease dogs: barking at one as you pass it on the street, waving or talking to one that is barking at them from behind a window, pulling on a dog’s tail. The list can go on, but the important thing is that you shouldn’t do something you know makes a dog mad for the sake of a laugh; the dog won’t find it funny. And, it can lead to some serious behavioral problems.

- A word from our sponsors -

spot_img

Most Popular

More from Author

Exploring the Legacy of Captain James Cook in ‘The Wide Wide Sea’

Introduction to Captain James Cook's Final Voyage In Hampton Sides' captivating book,...

Zhu Lin: The Queen of Drama Revealed in New Book

Introduction to Zhu Lin's Life A new book titled Zhu Lin, the Queen...

The National Book Critics Circle Awards: A Milestone with the First-Ever Nonfiction Longlist

The NBCC Celebrates 50 Years The National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) is...

National Book Critics Circle Awards: Celebrating the First-Ever Autobiography Longlist

Introduction to the National Book Critics Circle Awards The National Book Critics...

- A word from our sponsors -

spot_img

Read Now

Exploring the Idiosyncratic Characters in Flannery O’Connor’s Stories

Introduction to Flannery O'Connor's Unique Narratives Flannery O'Connor, a notable Southern writer, weaves expansive short stories featuring characters whose idiosyncratic behaviors reflect a deep sense of otherness. Her talent lies in creating memorable tales that not only entertain but also provoke thought. Among her works, the most recognized...

Exploring Themes of Family and Femininity in Tara Isabel Zambrano’s ‘Ruined a Little When We Are Born’

Introduction to Zambrano’s Work Tara Isabel Zambrano’s collection, Ruined a Little When We Are Born, is a compelling compendium of human experiences, blending elements of flash fiction and traditional storytelling. This slim volume encompasses over three dozen stories that resonate deeply with readers. Zambrano navigates themes of family, femininity,...

Hwang Seok-Yeong: A Testament to Youthful Vigor in Literature

The Ageless Spirit of Hwang Seok-Yeong Veteran South Korean novelist Hwang Seok-Yeong has captured the hearts of readers both young and old with his profound storytelling that resonates deeply with modern stresses. Despite being in his 70s when he authored his acclaimed novel, At Dusk, Hwang’s writing reflects...

Barack Obama’s 2024 Annual Reading List: A Journey Through Literature

Introduction to Obama's Reading List On December 20, former President Barack Obama shared his 2024 annual reading list on Instagram. This year’s selection includes ten thought-provoking titles, comprising both fiction and non-fiction. Topics range from love and art to economic growth and mental health issues, showcasing the breadth...

Unveiling Ronald Reagan: A Definitive Biography by Max Boot

Introduction to 'Reagan: His Life and Legend' In 2024, Max Boot's monumental biography, 'Reagan: His Life and Legend,' has emerged as an instant New York Times bestseller, capturing the attention of literary critics across the nation. This compelling work has not only earned a spot among the 50...

Exploring the Legacy of Captain James Cook in ‘The Wide Wide Sea’

Introduction to Captain James Cook's Final Voyage In Hampton Sides' captivating book, 'The Wide Wide Sea,' readers are immersed in the enthralling account of Captain James Cook's third and final voyage. This journey, which culminated in Cook's tragic death in Hawaii, serves as a reminder of the complex...

Zhu Lin: The Queen of Drama Revealed in New Book

Introduction to Zhu Lin's Life A new book titled Zhu Lin, the Queen of Drama has been launched, narrating the inspiring journey of a remarkable figure in Chinese theater. Authored by Zhao Hongfan, this work intricately weaves the life of Zhu Lin, often revered as the "queen of Chinese drama,"...

The National Book Critics Circle Awards: A Milestone with the First-Ever Nonfiction Longlist

The NBCC Celebrates 50 Years The National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) is marking a significant occasion with the announcement of its first-ever longlist for the nonfiction genre, celebrating its 50th anniversary. The longlist, which was released on December 18, highlights the organization's commitment to honoring exceptional writing in...

National Book Critics Circle Awards: Celebrating the First-Ever Autobiography Longlist

Introduction to the National Book Critics Circle Awards The National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) Awards, renowned for their distinction in literary recognition, have embarked on a significant milestone for 2024. In honor of their 50th anniversary, the NBCC has announced its inaugural longlist for the category of autobiography,...

Exploring the National Book Critics Circle Awards: A First-Ever Biography Longlist

Introduction to the NBCC Awards The National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) Awards are a prestigious event in the literary world, celebrating outstanding writing and fostering a national conversation about literature. This year marks a significant milestone as the NBCC has announced its first-ever longlist for the genre of...

British Library Expands Chinese Web Novels Collection

Introduction of New Titles On November 21, the British Library took a significant step in enhancing its collections by adding ten printed copies of popular Chinese web novels, which were originally published online. Among the notable titles included are "Lord of the Mysteries," "Soul Land," and "Joy of...

Shanghai Online Literature Week: A Milestone for Global Literary Exchange

Introduction to Shanghai Online Literature Week The third Shanghai International Online Literature Week, held from December 16 to 18, showcased significant advancements in the online literature genre. The event brought together writers and industry professionals from 16 countries, marking a pivotal moment for the dissemination of Chinese online...