Dogs are incredibly patient and forgiving companions, but that doesn’t mean they don’t mind how we treat them. While your pup can’t speak up directly, their body language and behavior often tell the whole story. With that, here are ten common things that your dogs would probably prefer you to stop. After all, we would want to give them the most comfortable life possible.
12. Rushing Their Sniff Time
For dogs, sniffing is like watching the news. It’s a practice of how they gather information about the world. When you pull them away during their sniff routine outside, you deprive them of learning something new. For dogs, it’s a mental stimulation of their natural behavior. You should allow a dedicated sniff time so your dog can explore at their own pace.
11. Unnecessary Dress Up
Unless the weather calls for it, avoid dressing your dog. Clothes may look cute in photos and in the eyes of the public, but they may feel uncomfortable for them. Usually, they will freeze up or try to remove their clothes when they’re feeling uncomfortable. Besides, they have their own fur, which acts like clothing for them.
10. Staring Directly Into Their Eyes
You would feel uncomfortable if a person stared right in your eyes, right? Dogs may feel them too, as your hard stares indicate a confrontational situation in doggy language. If you really want to show affection through your eyes, try the soft eyes, which is a relaxed and gentle glance. You’ll see it in your dog’s eyes that they’re at peace.
9. Not Respecting Their Personal Space
Even the extroverts need their personal space, too, and this goes for social dogs. This means that you hog their sleeping or eating space, which ends up feeling overwhelming for them. Teach your children and guests to respect your dog’s personal space. With this, you should provide a safe zone for your dogs where they won’t feel bothered by anyone in the household.
8. Using Punishment as a Training Method
Dog trainers frown upon the idea of using punishment to train your dogs. This includes yelling or physical punishment just to stop them from doing an unwanted behavior. Dogs respond better through positive reinforcement methods in which you reward their good behavior. If you’re unsure of how to properly train them, get a professional dog trainer instead.
7. Disrupting Their Sleep
You wouldn’t want anyone to disrupt your precious sleep, don’t you? The same goes for your dogs. Note that adult dogs need at least 12 to 14 hours of sleep per day, with puppies needing even more. Waking them up for playtime could lead to behavioral issues. It’s also a way in which dog owners try to invade their dog’s personal space.
6. Leaving Them Alone For Too Long
Separation anxiety is common to dogs, especially those that are left alone for extended periods regularly. Making this a part of their everyday lives might lead to destructive behavioral problems. Yup, it explains your chewed sofa or the mess that they leave everywhere. If you have a long schedule, consider bringing them to a doggy daycare or having a close person check in on them from time to time.
5. Skipping Their Daily Walks
Here’s the thing: a big backyard doesn’t guarantee satisfaction for your dogs. Why? They’re not mentally stimulated by new surroundings and scents. While your daily route may be repetitive, it bears something new every day. You can also try going through different routes or places to exercise your dog physically and mentally.
4. Inconsistent Rules and Training
Your dog prefers a routine as they thrive on clear expectations. When the household enforces different rules and routines for them, it creates confusion. This would develop anxiety for your dog as they could not differentiate right from wrong. Make sure that you’ve established a set of rules that everyone in the family follows consistently.
3. Using Their Crates as Punishment
Treat your dog’s crate as their bedroom, not their prison. Each time you use their crate as punishment, you’re destroying the positive association of your dog towards their crate. This will give you a headache in the future as you’ll have a hard time getting your dog into their crate. Create a positive experience for them by serving their meals and adding a bed inside their crates.
2. Forcing Interactions with Other Dogs or People
Your dog has their own personality and social preferences. Give them time to warm up with new people or dogs and not force them to do so. This could lead to stress and fear among them. Also, always pay attention to their body language as this indicates what they’re feeling at the moment. Let them introduce themselves at their own pace.
1. Hugging or Kissing Them
While hugs and kisses are our form of showing affection, it’s not the same with dogs. They don’t feel the love in tight embraces and stressful kissing. This might trigger your dog’s fight-or-flight response. Instead, show your love through gentle massage and scratches in areas they like. You’ll notice that your dog will be much more receptive.