10 Things You Do That Your Dog Hates

  1. Going to dog parks

Exercising your dog is a great idea, but going to a crowded dog park can become a scary place for your pet.  If your dog gets along with other dogs, then a dog park should be alright as long that it is not overcrowded, and there are not any aggressive dogs.  But if your dog is a wee bit skittish, throwing them into an extremely crowded dog park can lead to dog fights.  If you notice that your dog is pinning back their ears or carrying their tail low when at the park, this could be an indicator that they are scared and would like to leave.

2. Staring

We sometimes think that it is cute to get into a staring contest with your pooch, but your dog does not see things the same way as you.  In the animal world, a stare down is a sign of aggression.  You may be able to get away with it if the dog is your own pet but if you encounter an unknown dog in the street you would be wise to not get into a stare down as this could make the dog feel threatened.  If the dog feels like it is in danger, then the next thing that could happen is that you will end up getting bitten.  Do not stare for too long when you come across a dog you do not know that well.

3. Yelling

Admittedly, we need to discipline our dogs when they misbehave, but yelling stresses your dog. When you yell, the dog hears it as angry barking which can be a signal that they are about to get into a fight. Trainer's say yelling is a poor technique to teach your dog from right and wrong. Try changing the tone of your voice rather than raising the volume.  This works much better and will not rouse your dog.

4. Hugging

This can be a tricky subject when it comes to dogs. When it is your own dog, then you can probably get away with a few hugs, but try not to squeeze too tight and try not to hug for too long. In the canine world, there is no reason why a dog would put its paws on another dog unless it is trying to show dominance or control over the other animal. Even if your dog lets you hug it, you probably should be the only one doing the hugging. Do not let strangers or children try to hug the dog because this makes the animal feel threatened.

5. Teasing

You might think it is funny to watch the confused look on your dog's face when you tease them with a toy, but it is not that much fun for your pet. Teasing your dog by moving their food while they are eating or tugging on their ears or tail can scare your dog as well as make them angry. It is especially important to teach young children not to tease the dog as they may end up getting bitten which will not only traumatize your dog, but it could scar the kid, too. When your dog does something to warrant giving him a treat, try to give it to him right away and do not tease him too much.

6. Letting them sleep

Dogs look really cute when they are sleeping and their little legs are twitching because they are dreaming.  No matter how cute they appear to be, it is a good idea to let them sleep without interruptions.  You have heard the expression, “Let sleeping dogs lie.”  Waking a sleeping dog can cause a shocked animal biting you. The best thing to do is let your dog wake up on their own.  Can you imagine how freaked out you would feel if you were in the middle of a nap and someone suddenly started petting you?

7. Pulling the leash

It is necessary to train your dog to walk on a leash. This is for your safety as well as that of your dog. You do not want your dog dragging you down the street when you are out for a walk. The leash should be loose, which indicates that the dog is alert and aware of their surroundings. If you start pulling on the leash, you can eventually hurt the dog. One way to get the dog used to walking on a leash is to constantly change directions and speeds. This helps the dog focus and pay closer attention to you. Once you have gotten the dog walking with a loose leash, you will both be happier.

8. Leaving them alone too long

If you have to work, try not to leave your dog unattended for extended periods of time.  Think of it this way,  you and your family are your dog’s pack.  Dogs are social animals by nature and need to be around others.  If you leave your dog alone for 10 or more hours at a time, they can exhibit destructive behaviors like digging or chewing.  They also might start to bark a lot because they need attention.  What is even worse is that being left alone for long periods of time can lead to separation anxiety as well as behavioral and psychological issues.  

9. Switching things up

Dogs like a routine. They like to be fed and walked at the same time. They like to be snuggled when they are expecting it. Try to stick to a normal routine without switching things up. If you switch their routines, you will put them through undue stress that can make them angry and confused.  This confusion can eventually turn into behavioral problems,  so try to stay as consistent as possible with your feeding, walking and playtime schedule.  

10. Meeting dogs they do not know
Dogs are territorial animals by nature.  When a new animal comes into their home,  their first instinct is to defend what is theirs. Rather than letting your friends and family bring their dog into your home, it is a good idea to introduce them while outside for a walk or in a neutral place. Give the dogs some time to get to know each other before introducing them in your home. This will save you from having to break up a fight between multiple dogs.

Written by:  Julie Bradford