10 Things Humans Do That Dogs Hate

Dogs do speak; they just don’t necessarily verbalize it all of the time. For some, reading dog body language is like solving a puzzle, but it’s not as hard as it seems. Dogs will make it clear when they don’t like something, and it’s our job as responsible dog owners to determine when something is wrong.

Also, if your dog doesn’t like something, please stop doing the behavior. This is how most dog bites occur. Here’s a list of 1o things humans do that dogs hate.

1. Forcing Our Dogs to Meet Strange Dogs

Dogs enjoy greeting strange dogs, right? Wrong. As a dog trainer, I’m called in to pick up the pieces after a dog greeting another dog has gone wrong. Nine out of 10 dogs are completely uncomfortable with dog-to-dog greetings whether you’re at the farmers market, pet store or even dog park.

Unfortunately, many pet owners are too busy chatting on their phones, selecting the best tomatoes or picking out a toy for their dogs to notice. When dogs are uncomfortable meeting other dogs, they:

• Shrink back
• Flip their ears backwards
• Tuck their tail
• Growl
• Snap
• Lunge

Instead, you should maintain at least 6 feet away from other dogs and listen to your dog’s body language. When in doubt, just don’t do it.

2. Skipping Sniffing Opportunities

After polling pet owners about daily dog walks, more than 50% feel powerwalking for a specific distance meets the criteria for a successful dog walk. There’s one huge piece missing though, and that’s allowing their dogs sniffing opportunities.

Dogs perceive the world through their noses, so make sure your dog has plenty of time to sniff blades of grass, tree trunks and bushes. When dogs sniff, they’re reading “pee mail” where squirrels had hunted for nuts, bunny trails and so very much more. Dogs will briefly sniff usually no longer than one minute unless something alive is hiding in that spot, and then they move along to the next sniffing spot.

Bring treats along during each walk to reward your dog for the “leave it” cue, especially when your dog finds chewed up gum or discarded bones. Sniffing provides plenty of mental stimulation for your dog and it exhausts him too, so let him sniff away.

3. Putting Our Faces in Our Dogs’ Face

Dogs enjoy close contact with humans, but they feel most comfortable when they can choose the distance. Humans get close—like really close to their dogs’ face. We enjoy showing affection by putting our face right in our dog’s face to snuggle or give kisses. However, this is way too close for most dogs.

Now, I’m not saying dogs dislike face contact. Some dogs will reach in and kiss our faces, but face contact should be your dog’s choice. You can tell when your dog isn’t comfortable with your face being next to his face when he:

• Turns away
• Yawns
• Pulls away
• Flips his ears backwards
• Licks his lips
• Freezes
• Growls
• Walks off

Listen to your dog, and remember most dog bites happen to faces because humans like to stick their faces too close. Give your dog the choice to make face contact instead.

4. Staring

It’s the same with humans; staring is one of those things dogs hate and find rude. While humans stare lovingly into their dog’s eyes, dogs hate it. Refrain from staring at your dog, especially during dog training sessions. Instead, focus on your dog’s chin or chest.

Also, spend a few moments teaching your dog that eye contact is rewarding by teaching the “look at me” cue. If you find yourself gazing into your dog’s darling face, and he looks away from you, then understand your dog finds staring very uncomfortable.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]And bringing another dog into the mix, so your lonely outdoor dog has a friend, is still cruel.[/perfectpullquote]

5. Secluding Our Dogs

Permanently banishing dogs to the backyard, another room or garage is cruel. Dogs enjoy lounging next to their humans—either in the same room or right next to their feet. Dogs are domesticated, meaning they need contact from humans and other pets.

Dogs are not lawn ornaments. And bringing another dog into the mix, so your lonely outdoor dog has a friend, is still cruel. Bring your dog indoors, and teach him polite manners, so he’s able to happily co-exist with his people. 🙂

6. Moving Straight Toward Them

Dogs hate when people walk straight toward them. They find it annoying. Instead of making a beeline toward a dog with outstretched hands, bend down and turn sideways. Keep your hands at your side, and ignore the dog. Allow dogs to make choices. Understand that dogs will run toward their pet owners, but they may also choose to ignore strangers and other dogs. Support a dog’s choice.

7. Repeating Cues

“Sit, sit, sit, sit. I said sit, no…SIT.” This is annoying to read. Imagine hearing this sound happening over and over again. When pet owners repeat cues, it sounds like you’re nagging, which never works. Instead, say a cue once. If your dog doesn’t respond instantly, she may not really know the cue (or understand the cue in that situation).

8. Pushing & Pulling

Pushing or pulling a dog into a behavior or giving physical corrections is beyond annoying to dogs. Plus, it can scare dogs, causing them to bite. If we can train zoo animals using force-free methods, we can certainly teach dogs polite behaviors without pushing or pulling. Choose force-free training, please.

9. Assuming Dogs are Guilty

Nope, dogs do not feel guilt nor spite. When pet owners yell at their dogs, it’s important to understand their dogs are not leaving the situation due to guilt. Rather, their dogs are scared.

10. Being Pestered by Children

When children constantly touch, pet, poke, harass or play with a dog, it’s exhausting. All dogs deserve a quiet place to get away from all the hustle and bustle. Children should learn not to pester dogs. Plus, children should never sit, lie down or stand on a dog. The same goes for forcing kisses and hugs. Dogs don’t like it.