Mary Allen
Some things we do really annoy our dogs. Some even harm them. You should definitely avoid these things in the future.
Constant talking
People communicate primarily with words. Dogs rely a lot more on body language. A person who talks to their dog all day makes life really difficult for them because they are flooding them with stimuli. The animal either reacts stressed or switches off completely at some point. Then you don’t have to be surprised if at some point you are just air for your dog.
Tension
Dogs have a very keen sense of their two-legged friends’ emotions. The transfer of mood is particularly easy when the four-legged friends are on a leash. If the human is tense, this is immediately transferred to the dog, causing him enormous stress.
Be aware of that. Because many dog owners are still annoyed that their animal suddenly reacts aggressively – and that when they are already in a bad mood. Few realize that the owners themselves are the trigger for this. So: take a deep breath, get rid of frustration, and then start with a more balanced mind. And after all, what could be better for relaxation than a walk with your beloved pug?
Patting the face or head
In this respect, dogs hardly differ from us, humans. Would you like to be touched on the head or even on the face? Maybe from your partner, but certainly not from distant acquaintances or even strangers. Each individual has their personal space that no one is allowed to invade – humans and dogs alike. If you want to give a dog physical affection, pet it on its back or flanks. Here the animals are less sensitive.
Stare
Among people, casual eye contact is considered a sign of trust or respect. In dogs, it is very quickly seen as staring and therefore a threat. Before a physical altercation occurs between two dogs, they often stare menacingly into each other’s eyes. Dogs perceive it as precisely this threatening gesture when a person stares at them.
It is, therefore, better to look past strange dogs so as not to arouse insecurity or aggression in them. Also, teach your children never to stare at dogs (and worst case scenario, run towards them with outstretched arms).
Aimlessness
The dog is a pack animal. In every pack, there is a hierarchy. As a human being, you would do well to ensure through your behavior and your structure that your dog sees you as the pack leader. Create clear rules and ensure that they are always observed. And not only from your dog but also from you. A lack of planning on the part of humans quickly leads to insecure dogs who, in the worst case, believe they have to take control of you.
Don’t make exceptions to the rules either. Your dog doesn’t understand this and you cause him to stress the next time you discipline him when he assumes that there might be an exception again.
Forced contact
Just like humans, there are dogs who like company and those who prefer to walk alone through the world, who are insecure or simply shy. Some dogs just don’t like other dogs.
Forcing an introverted or anxious dog to interact with other animals will do no good and will only make most dogs more insecure. Let your tail-wagger choose which dog buddies he wants to hang out with. You should never force him to have contact with other animals.
By the way: If you have the impression that your dog doesn’t appreciate contact with other people either, respect this. Don’t allow strangers to pet your dog or otherwise harass it.
Walks on the short leash
Dogs love to be outside with us. You can romp around, meet other dogs and play with them, sniff, dig and do your business in peace. None of this is possible if you drag your dog in front of the door on the extremely short leash and then turn around to get home as quickly as possible.
The tours in nature with plenty of time to sniff and be a dog are part of a species-appropriate attitude. Anyone who cannot make this possible should reconsider whether a dog is really the right animal for them.
Hugs
Anyone who loves their dog from the heart is always tempted to express their love with a hug. But don’t do that! Dogs don’t have arms. Accordingly, the animals do not hug each other. The only time a dog will put its front paw on or around another is when it wants to signal dominance or is looking for a fight.
A hug is therefore not a lovable gesture for your dog, but only causes stress and aggression in most animals.
Boredom
It happens often enough that dog owners get annoyed with their four-legged friends because they have already nibbled on the sofa or walked over tables and benches at home. The reason for this is often very easy to find: Many dogs try to use the above-mentioned Actions to spice up their far too boring lives. Because dogs hardly hate anything more than not being challenged enough. This is specifically true for the 10 smartest dog breeds in the world.
A dog busy with games, sports, and mental tasks will never think of creating chaos at home. Such a dog is so exhausted from all the great activities with his human or other dogs that he will snooze happily at home. So make everyday life exciting for your dog and, in the event of misbehavior, ask yourself whether your animal simply hasn’t been given enough activity.
Annoyances
These things sound absurd among dog lovers, but there are still far too many people who really annoy dogs: barking at them, pulling their tails, jumping at them, splashing them wet, provoking animals that get in the car to wait… Anyone who is amused by this should urgently reconsider their own attitude and ask themselves how they would feel if they were treated in this way. Nobody likes nags. Humans don’t, and dogs even less.