10 Things Dogs Hate about Humans | Every Senior Should Know it

Could you be doing things that annoy your dog without you even realizing it? Dogs often tolerate human behavior because they are loyal and easygoing. However, there may be some things that you or others do that your dog secretly hates. You can probably think of a few things your dog hates because it’s obvious. Perhaps your dog puts on the brakes when you try to bath him. Maybe he shies away from hugs or certain types of handling. He may even get visibly upset or depressed when he doesn’t get his way.

Even the most laid-back dog will hate some of the things we humans do. Yes, certain things are unavoidable, like vet visits or grooming. However, there are other ways we can try to take it easy on our dogs. No two dogs are exactly the same, so what one dog hates another dog may enjoy.

Since they can’t tell us, we’ve compiled a list of 10 things that humans do that dogs don’t actually like. But lucky for us, our favorite fuzzballs always find a way to forgive us–because that’s just who they are.

10. Constant hugging

Research revealed that 81.6% of the dogs tested showed signs of stress or anxiety when they were hugged. 7.6% of them enjoyed this activity, while the response of 10.8% of the dogs was neutral. The most common signs of stress included flattened ears, sad eyes (you can see the whites of the eyes) or, on the contrary, closed eyes and a head turned away to avoid eye contact with a hugger. So next time you decide to hug your dog, estimate its reaction first.

9. Using Words More Than Body Language

Dogs might be able to deduce the meaning of a few key words (e.g., walk, treat, toy, off), but they can’t understand human language. What they rely on to figure out what we mean is our body language. Unfortunately, we can easily send mixed signals if we’re only paying attention to what our mouths are saying and not what our bodies are saying.

If you go to any beginner dog training class, you’ll often see people saying one thing but doing another, and a confused dog trying to discern what is being asked of them. For instance, telling a dog to “stay” while leaning forward toward the dog and holding out a hand like a traffic cop is, in body language, actually inviting the dog to come toward you. But when the dog does, she gets reprimanded for breaking her stay command, which is confusing.

A great experiment is to spend a whole day not saying a word to your dog, but communicating only with your body. You’ll see just how much you “talk” with your body without realizing it and learn how to use your movements and body positions to get the response you need from your dog.

 

 

8. Leave Them Home Alone too often

Dogs are pack animals that need a leader to feel secure. When they are left home alone for too long, some dogs start acting out due to anxiety, stress and boredom. Certain breeds can also be more affected by being left alone—especially working breeds, Labradors, Retrievers and Terriers—though any dog can suffer from separation anxiety. You may come home to the aftermath of your dog working out its anxiety on your couch cushions or trash.

7. Being Ignored

Dogs don’t particularly enjoy being ignored, in fact some dogs really hate it. Some dogs require a great deal more attention than others. Lots of dogs hate being ignored so much that they will spend all day trying to get your attention. If they have to drop that tennis ball in front of your feet 50 times to get you to throw it they will. Most dogs love a bit of attention and will get the hump if they are constantly ignored.

 

 

6. Going On A Walk And Not Being Able To Sniff Things

Dogs just don’t get why we take them outside where everything is fascinating and there are lots of different smells, yet we stop them from sniffing where they want to. It’s difficult to walk your dog when they are sniffing every single spot of pavement, so sometimes we have to make them heal and walk alongside us. This prevents them from the enjoyment of sniffing everything momentarily, until they are let off the lead in the park.

 

5. Getting in a Dog’s Face and Personal Space

Much like hugging, dogs tend to dislike it when humans get in their faces. Think about how it would make you feel! Avoid putting your hands in a dog’s face, towering over dogs, and rushing towards them. This is especially important if the dog does not know you well.

As an owner, if you need to poke and prod your dog for his own good (like ear cleaning or tooth brushing) go slowly, be gentle, and reward your dog with treats and/or praise. If your dog exhibits appeasement gestures, shows signs of fear, or acts aggressive, back off! It’s always best to be careful and prevent a dog bite.

4. Yelling and Harsh Punishment

No one likes to be yelled at or harshly punished (such as being spanked). Dogs may not understand the words we are saying, but they sense your emotions when you do it. If you have a sensitive or fearful dog, you may find that yelling, and harsh punishment actually upsets or scares your dog. Fear does not equal respect, and you will not strengthen your relationship with these methods. Even if your dog is aloof or ultra-happy, you will probably find that yelling and harsh punishment don’t help in the long run because your dog becomes desensitized (meaning he does what he wants anyway and you just keep repeating yourself).

Positive reinforcement is generally the most effective type of training. To correct unwanted behavior, you can try redirecting your dog towards a preferred behavior instead of yelling or smacking him. Train your dog to “drop it” or “leave it” are great ways to stop your dog from eating or chewing something he shouldn’t. You can teach him “come” or “watch me” to get his attention when he is doing something wrong. Be sure to reward him when he complies. Dogs are more likely to listen to you when you issue a request rather than a non-specific “no” or “stop it.”

 

3. Not having a routine.

 Believe it or not, pets thrive on a schedule or basic routine for daily living. This helps them feel safe and secure, knowing when they will eat, sleep, go for a walk, and expect you home after a long day at work. Without a routine, many pets act out and have problems with behavior, stress, and anxiety.

 

2. Discipline them inconsistently

If you want to keep your dog happy, consistency is key—especially when it comes to their training, and how you reward or admonish their behavior.

“While [dogs] are experts at reading body language and tone of voice, they are constantly confused and saddened by the mixed messages communicated by their human,” says Borden, who notes that it’s “extremely frustrating for something to be okay one time, but not all the time,” like sitting on the couch or playing with certain objects.

 

1. Dress them up

Yes, they look adorable in costume, but is it worth putting them through the discomfort or embarrassment they may experience, all because you want to get a couple of cute pics to post on social media?

“Usually it’s not a good idea as the dog’s just very uncomfortable,” says Cynthia Kelly, dog breeder and owner of Regis Regal German Shepherds in Spring Grove, Illinois. Kelly points out that one of the concerns is that they can even overheat in those little outfits if you’re not careful.