Mary Allen
Our four-legged family members are just as important to us as our two-legged relatives and friends.
We want to show them our love – and often do so in the same way we would show it to other people. However, what is beautiful for humans is not always pleasant for dogs.
We all do number nine, but we should reconsider!
Constantly talking to the dog
Communication with dogs works differently than with people.
They are taught commands and tricks using single words. The dog can learn what the owner wants from the sound of the words.
However, if the dog is being talked into wildly, it cannot make sense of what is being said and feels confused or even intimidated.
Touch the dog in the face
A gentle pat on the head, a gentle caress on the cheek. What people perceive as loving can be quite uncomfortable for dogs.
As with bipeds, we like to decide for ourselves when we can touch so intimately.
Especially with strangers, it comes across as insistent and tends to annoy the dog.
Blow on face or ear
It’s so funny how the dog grimaces when we blow on it.
While this is also uncomfortable for humans, we mostly take it as fun. However, the dog feels uncomfortable and confused when blown on.
Over time, he may start avoiding his owners to avoid it.
Maintain eye contact
Looking deep and long into each other’s eyes is a gesture of trust and affection for people. In dogs, however, prolonged eye contact means exactly the opposite.
In the animal world, staring eye contact is a sign of challenge and aggressiveness.
So if you try to force eye contact with your dog, he might feel threatened by you.
Hug the dog
When we feel a lot of love for someone, we want to hug that person tightly. We would also like to hug our four-legged friend close to us.
However, dogs feel restricted in their freedom of movement and literally trapped by hugs. This could frighten you.
Don’t set clear boundaries
Dogs appreciate clear rules. They also need such boundaries when living with people.
They are not normally allowed on the bed unless there are exceptions.
If they then jump back onto the bed after such an exception and are punished for it, this creates confusion and insecurity.
Walk the same round every day
Dogs are always happy when it’s time for a walk. Finally a new adventure – or is it the same as always?
Running the same lap every day becomes boring for dogs too in the long run. They always want to explore new environments to feel free and balanced.
Choose your friends for them
When playing with other dogs, our furry friends can really let off steam. But even dogs have different personalities and don’t always get along well with everyone.
If your dog doesn’t get along with your best friend’s, don’t force them to spend time together.
A faithful companion – always and everywhere?
Although we mean well when we take the dog with us everywhere, not every place is comfortable for him.
He doesn’t want to miss the forest, park or beach. However, he hardly enjoys the weekly market or the busy city center, where he can hardly get between the many legs and is overwhelmed by noises and smells.
Bad mood
Dogs are said to be man’s best friend. They are intelligent animals that have keen antennae for our moods.
Bad mood can affect the dog quite a bit. As with young children, don’t fight in front of the dog or cry in front of it all day.
He likes to comfort you, but shouldn’t have to take all your emotional burdens off you!