Every owner wants to make their dog the happiest in the world. We buy the best food, the most comfortable beds and the brightest toys, sincerely believing that we are doing everything right. However, sometimes, without even realizing it, we can do things that cause our pets not joy, but stress, anxiety or misunderstanding. This happens because the world of a dog and the world of a person are arranged differently, and what is a manifestation of love for us can be a source of discomfort for them. Let's figure out which of our habitual actions can upset our four-legged friend, and how to make your life together even more harmonious.
If the host does not allow you to explore the territory
A walk for a dog is a time when it gets to know something new, because sometimes even on a well-studied route you can detect an unfamiliar smell, let alone a place where the dog is for the first time. “Reading” smells for a dog is like watching the news or a social media feed for us.
Therefore, try not to rush your pet when it is moving slowly, sniffing something intently.
When the owner “drenched” himself in perfume
Another unpleasant effect of dogs' amazing sense of smell is the overuse of perfume. What is a pleasant scent to us can be an unbearable chemical storm to a dog, drowning out all other smells, including your natural one, which they love so much.
When the dog is ignored
Don't forget that dogs are very social animals, so you should not only walk and train them, but also spend time playing games, “snuggling” and, of course, having long conversations.
In addition, often suffering from a lack of communication, pets begin to spoil things, thus attracting attention to themselves.
When a dog is yelled at
No one likes to be yelled at. The same can be said 100% for a dog. Yelling doesn't help the dog understand what it did wrong, it only causes fear and anxiety, destroying the trust between you.
When a dog is hugged or kissed tightly (especially in the face)
For many people, hugging and kissing is the ultimate expression of love. However, for most dogs, it can be a very stressful experience. When you hug a dog, you are restricting their movement, which in the canine world can be perceived as dominance or even threat. The dog may feel trapped and unable to retreat, especially if it happens unexpectedly or from strangers. It is better to choose other ways to show affection – for example, stroking behind the ear or scratching the belly, if the dog is inclined to do so.
When her body language and discomfort signals are ignored
Your four-legged friend is constantly communicating with you using a range of signals—from licking their lips, yawning, looking away, flattening their ears, to a tucked tail or tense posture. It's their way of saying, “I'm uncomfortable,” “I'm scared,” or “Please stop.” If you ignore these clear messages, your dog will feel confused, their stress levels will increase, and their trust in you may be shaken. By learning to recognize these signals, you'll build a stronger, more trusting relationship.
Here are a few more things to remember:
When a dog is stared into the eyes
In the human world, a direct, sustained gaze can convey trust and affection. In the dog world, it's a challenge and a direct threat. When you or your guests stare at a dog, they may perceive it as an aggressive gesture. This can make them feel anxious and want to look away or even leave. It's better to use a soft, relaxed gaze and blink occasionally to signal your peaceful intentions.
When the host is inconsistent in rules and prohibitions
Dogs love stability and clear rules, because it makes the world clear and safe. If today you let your dog lie on the couch, and tomorrow you yell at him for it, he doesn’t understand what has changed. He can’t grasp the context (“you can’t do it today because we have guests coming”). Such inconsistency causes confusion and stress in the animal, because he never knows what reaction to expect for his actions. Be consistent — this is the key to your pet’s peace of mind.
When a dog is teased or its warnings are not respected
What may seem like innocent fun to humans—like pretending to throw a ball, tugging at your tail, or blowing into your face—can be frustrating and stressful to your dog. It can undermine your dog's trust in you. Even more dangerous is ignoring clear warnings, such as growling. A growl is not aggression, but a request: “Please stop, I'm uncomfortable.” Punishing a dog for growling teaches him not to warn you, but to bite you right away. Respect his communication and you'll avoid many problems.
Long wait at the store
Many people go shopping with their pets if there is a designated dog park near the store. However, this can be an annoying situation for the animal.
In most cases, a dog does not like to sit alone for a long time while tied up. The animal feels vulnerable and defenseless.
