10 Things Your Dog Hates and Wishes You Would Stop Doing

We love our dogs and treat them the best way we know. Sometimes though, we treat them the way we think they would like to be treated, but these are not always the ways they actually want to be treated.

Typically, dogs are easy to please. They love treats, walks and attention from their favorite people. They are devoted to us, so they will tolerate a lot. However, canines have different physical and emotional needs than humans so some things we do goes against their natural instincts and bothers them.

Not sure what your dog wishes you’d stop doing? Keep reading to find out.

1. Getting their nails clipped

Dogs hate getting their nails clipped, ears checked and mouths examined. But as a good dog parent you’ve got to do these things. Overgrown nails can be painful and cause long-term hip issues. Not checking ears often enough can lead to deep infections. And dental problems can endanger your dog’s health. To make it less stressful for your dog, handle your dog’s paws, ears and teeth regularly and offer treats to make it a positive experience. Need help with grooming? Contact Canine Campus to set an appointment with our professional, experienced dog groomer.

Read more: A Stress-Free Way to Trim Your Dog’s Nails

2. Being hugged

Most dogs don’t like to be hugged. It can produce anxiety because they feel constricted or confined. Dogs do love to connect with you but prefer to lean on you instead of being hugged. If you just can’t stop hugging your dog – or have a child who loves to give doggy hugs – try approaching your dog from the side, at his or her level, and let them come to you. This will ensure they don’t feel threatened, making it easier to accept the contact.

Read more: Does Your Dog Know You Love Him or Her? Here’s How to Tell

3. Going for walks when it’s too hot or cold outside

Burning hot or icy cold sidewalks can be painful and harmful to your dog’s paws. Some vets say if the sidewalk is too hot or cold for your feet, it’s too hot or cold for your dog’s paws. Burned or cracked paw pads can be very painful and challenging to treat. In icy weather, dogs can get sick from antifreeze or other toxic chemicals on the sidewalk or street, and ice can accumulate between their toes, causing pain. Try to go for walks when the temperature is moderate – early or late in the summer and mid-day in the winter.

Read more: What To Do If Your Dog Has Cracked Paw Pads

4. Being left alone for long periods of time

Dogs need socialization as well as physical and mental stimulation. Being left alone too often or for long periods of time can cause behavior problems, including anxiety and destructive behaviors. A better option? Bring your dog to Canine Campus for lots of fun, affection and doggy friendships. Your dog will come home tired, happy and better socialized.

Read more: Canine Campus Dog Daycare

5. Getting dressed up

Dog outfits may be adorable to humans, but dogs hate having to wear clothes. The one exception is when it’s a freezing cold day and your dog has short hair. When the temperature is at or below freezing, your dog needs a coat or heavy sweater to hold in their body heat. So unless it’s the dead of winter, skip the doggy couture and let your dog feel free. Still want to dress your dog up in something adorable? Consider a designer collar or cute bandana. Dogs are used to wearing a collar so these don’t usually bother them.

6. Being allowed to pull on their leash

The primary purpose of a leash is not to control your dog but as a means of communication between the two of you. When you allow your dog to pull on the leash, it means your dog is paying attention to something other than you. Your goal is to teach your dog to always focus on you as their leader. If you’re having trouble teaching your dog to not pull on the leash, try using a Gentle Leader. Besides not letting your dog pull on his or her leash, don’t make these common dog-rearing mistakes.

7. Being too predictable with games

Most dogs love playing fetch, but that’s not the only game they enjoy. Dogs, like humans, get bored if they don’t have enough stimulation. There are SO MANY games you can play with your dog there’s no need for either of you to get bored. Of course, a rousing game of fetch is usually welcome too!

Read more: 10 Fun Games to Play with Your Dog to Prevent Boredom and Tips to Avoid Dog Boredom and 7 Creative Ways to Keep Your Dog Active in the Winter

8. Forcing friendships with other dogs

Not every dog is a social butterfly. Dogs, like people, are individual when it comes to socialization. Some dogs do better with one-on-one doggy play time and others love romping and playing in a large group. Whatever you do, don’t force your dog to stay in an uncomfortable situation. Scared dogs can become aggressive. Pay attention to your dog’s body language and help them stay safe and comfortable. One way to help build your dog’s confidence around other dogs is to bring your dog to daycare. After passing an initial temperament screen test, your dog will be introduced to the pack and will learn how to properly interact and play with the other dogs. This will help your dog learn how to socialize with other dogs.

9. Not paying attention to their body language

Dogs can’t speak like people, but they are master communicators through their body language. Once you learn your dog’s unique language, you will understand what your dog is thinking and feeling. Pay attention to how your dog responds to various situations, especially body language patterns, to decipher his or her language. Key body parts to watch include your dog’s tail, eyes, ears and posture.

10. Patting their heads

Dogs interpret head pats as a bid for dominance. The downward gesture of a head pat is really tough for a lot of dogs, especially if they’ve been mistreated. Look for signs your dog doesn’t like head pats, such as closing their eyes, ducking, or pulling away from your hand. Instead, scratch your dog’s chest and work your way up to scratch behind his or her ears to show your affection.

Thankfully, dogs are very forgiving. Even if you make these mistakes, they will always love you and accept your love and attention. Sometimes they get confused, bored, frustrated, anxious or uncomfortable, but that doesn’t mean they don’t love you. While you can chalk some of these differences up to the language barrier between canines and humans, there is one message that always crosses species lines and that is showing them how much you love and care about them.

What things does your dog hate that you do? Please share in the comments below.