10 Things You Do That Your Dog Hates

Our dogs love us more than we can understand. However, there are some things that humans do that their dogs cannot stand. Want to make sure Fido stays your best friend? Then avoid doing these 10 things that your dog hates.

1. Yelling At Them

Much like humans, dogs do not appreciate being yelled at. And they don’t typically respond well to it either. When you yell at your dog it confuses them, and they can’t understand why you started speaking so loudly.

When giving your dog a command, speak in a calm yet stern voice. Utilize body language when correcting your dogs behavior. They’re much more likely to react to hand gestures and commands than yelling and screaming.

2. Prolonged Eye Contact

Dogs see eye contact as a way to establish dominance between two canines. When you make prolonged eye contact with your dog, you are taunting them. 

3. Hugging Them

As sad as it is, your dog likely hates it when you hug them. Keeping them confined against their will is not really their idea of showing love. 

While some dogs will tolerate it for short periods of time, avoid hugging your dog very often.

4. Patting His Head

Unfortunately, your dog hates it when you pat his head. The act of patting a dogs head can be really annoying and even painful. I mean, imagine someone repeatedly slapping your head. It’s not anyones idea of a loving touch.

Try petting your dogs head or patting their side instead. They’ll enjoy a nice ear scratch way more than a head pat.

5. Teasing Them

Teasing a dog is a sure way to annoy them. Dogs don’t find it as funny as you do when you bark at them (and especially don’t do this to dogs you don’t know!). Pretending to throw a ball while playing fetch or giving your dog a fake treat are sure fire ways to lose their trust.

Don’t tease your dog, it’s mean and they don’t find it amusing the way a human may.

6. Leaving Them Alone

Dogs are pack animals and therefore hate to be left alone for long periods of time. While you can train your dog to stay home alone, most dogs won’t be fond of being left at home while the whole family is gone. 

Of course, humans have to go to work and that means Fido has to stay home sometimes. But try to avoid leaving them too often by getting another dog or taking your pup to doggy daycare.

7. Quick Walks

Dogs need to be walked for both the physical and mental exercise. Simply walking is not enough to tire out your dog. You need to let him sniff and explore as well.

Your dog hates it when you take him on quick, hasty walks. Make sure you allow time for your dog to sniff around on your daily walk.

8. Being Boring

Dogs need to be mentally and physically stimulated in order to be happy. If your idea of fun is curling up on the couch for hours watching Netflix, your dog is going to suffer. 

Make time to take your dog out for walks and adventures. Play games such as fetch. Spend time training different commands and tricks. Your dog will thank you.

9. Dressing Them Up

Dogs in costumes are adorable. But a huge thing that your dog hates is being dressed up. It’s not comfortable or natural for our furry friends to wear clothing.

If you want to put clothing on your pup, make it for quick photo op and don’t leave them clothed all day. 

10. Waking Them Up

Nobody enjoys being woken from a deep sleep and this includes your dog. Avoid waking up your dog unless absolutely necessary. 

Dogs can be grouchy when woken, just like humans. By waking your dog up from a deep slumber your risking a negative reaction that could potentially be aggressive.