12 Things Dogs Hate And Wish You’d Stop Doing

“No, sit. Sit! SIT!!”

You continue to give the command, but your dog just stands there, tail wagging and tongue hanging out the side of his mouth.

If only you knew what he was thinking, you’re the craziest person ever.

From his perspective, here are ten things you’re doing wrong. 

And even the best doggy friend can get frustrated when their human doesn’t seem to understand what they want or need.

From constant barks for attention to that one thing you always do that drives them crazy – in this article, we share 12 things dogs hate and wish you’d stop doing.

Dogs Hate It When You Pet Them Too Hard – They Prefer Gentle Strokes

white brown little dog standing and getting petted

When petting your pup, it’s important to practice gentleness.

Studies have shown that dogs prefer gentle strokes and not hard pats or rubs when petting.

Some dogs may find hard petting uncomfortable as it can cause stress or discomfort.

To ensure your pup feels loved and appreciated, gentle strokes are the way to go – with a soft hand moving from its neck toward the tail.

Be sure to pay attention to how your pup reacts – if they start leaning into you or licking your hand, they are enjoying their session of cuddles and coddling!

They Don’t Like Being Left Alone, So Try To Include Them In Your Activities As Much As Possible

Dogs are social creatures and thrive when they can be around people. 

Even if you’re not a big fan of animals, it’s important to remember that dogs don’t like being left alone and need companionship to stay healthy and happy.

They rely on their owners for attention, love, and playtime.

To ensure your pup is content, try to include them in your activities as much as possible.

This will help build the bond between you two while providing mental stimulation for your furry friend.

Walking together or playing fetch at the park are great ways to exercise while spending quality time with your four-legged companion.

Spending time cuddling together on the couch is another way to give them lots of love without any additional effort from you!

So next time you plan an activity, make sure Fido knows he’s invited too!

Don’t Pull On Their Tails Or Ears – It Hurts!

white brown little dog standing woman holds ears

When interacting with your furry pals, it is important to keep their safety in mind and never pull on their tails or ears.

We might think it’s cute or a way of showing affection, but pulling on their ears or tails can be incredibly painful and potentially dangerous. 

The area around the tail and ears contains many delicate blood vessels and nerves, which makes them extremely sensitive when touched unexpectedly or too firmly.

Respect your dog’s boundaries, as hurting them won’t get you closer—it will only harm the relationship of trust between both owners and dogs.

Show your love for your pet through snuggles, walks, and spending time together, rather than placing them in an uncomfortable situation by tugging and yanking at sensitive areas like their ears and tails.

Be Careful With Your Words Around Dogs – They Can Understand More Than You Think

Dog owners are often amazed to see how attuned their pets can be to even the smallest environmental changes.

Just as humans often use our facial expressions and intonations to express different feelings, so do our canine friends.

Engaging in conversations with your dog is far more than talking at them – it means paying attention to your language and the tone of your voice.

Dogs can understand between 60 and 250 words, plus intonation – research has even suggested some breeds may be able to identify human emotions from the sound of their voice. 

Be mindful of this next time you talk to your beloved pup, as they may understand more than you initially realized!

Dogs Hate Loud Noises, So Avoid Yelling Or Playing Music Too Loudly Around Them

dog on dark background is yawing heavily

Keeping your pup calm and content is essential to demonstrating proper care.

Dogs are sensitive to sound, highlighting the importance of keeping noise levels at a minimum when they are around.

Yelling and playing music too loudly can cause stress and restlessness, making it difficult for your furry friend to settle down.

It’s best to keep things quiet and peaceful for them, but providing comforting words or soothing music may also be calming.

By learning to keep sound levels low around our canine companions, we can create a peaceful environment to improve their well-being.

Don’t Use Scents They Hate

As a dog owner, it’s important to be aware of scents your pup may not enjoy.

Dogs have an incredibly sensitive sense of smell and can easily become overwhelmed or agitated by strong odors.

While some smells may be pleasant to humans, they could be unpleasant for dogs, so it’s best to avoid using them around your pup. 

Some common scents dogs don’t like include citrus fruits, perfumes and colognes, essential oils, vinegar, and bleach. 

Many dogs are also scared of smoke from candles and incense sticks.

To ensure your pet puppy’s safety and comfort, keep these smells away from them as much as possible.

Stop Watching Horror Movies Together

brown dog is watching tv

Horror movies can be a fun way for pet owners and their furry friends to spend time together, but there’s one big problem: your dog might get scared.

Dogs don’t see movies the same way people do.

They don’t understand that it’s not real life, even if you tell them, so jump scares and dark, scary images can make your dog feel scared.

It’s best to avoid this possibility altogether by doing something else that both of you can enjoy or watch another kind of tv.

Avoid Using Strong Chemicals Near Dogs

Dogs are incredibly sensitive creatures when it comes to aromas – even more so than humans!

Their sense of smell is thousands of times stronger than ours, so strong smells they don’t know can be overwhelming and unpleasant for them.

Before using aerosols or harsh chemicals around their pets, owners need to know this, since inhaling these things can cause pain or even sickness.

To keep dogs safe while cleaning or using smelly things, it’s best to keep them in another room and let in a lot of fresh air afterward.

With these simple steps, pet owners can make sure their furry friends are safe from the smells of common household products that could be harmful.

Dogs Hate Tight Leashes

human walks with dog in the forest

Unsurprisingly, dogs do not like tight leashes when out and about. 

A taut leash is physically uncomfortable for the pup and can cause neck strain, as well as make it difficult to move forward naturally. 

It can also be psychologically stressful, as a dog on a tight leash may feel confined or restricted while walking.

All of this combined can create feelings of frustration, exacerbating any behavior problems your pup already exhibits.

To maintain an enjoyable outing for both you and your furry companion, always ensure that the leash stays loose when walking and the collar fits well.

That way you’re providing your pup with enough slack to meander comfortably alongside you!

Being Rushed At Potty Time

Dogs are naturally very intuitive and sensitive animals, so it’s important to make sure they aren’t rushed or stressed when it comes to potty time.

Taking a dog outside for 10-15 minutes of walking and sniffing around before heads are down and business is conducted will help them relax, focus better on the task at hand, and eliminate the need for quick trips outside.

Pleading looks from a puppy pair of eyes should not be indulged during potty time either, as this teaches a dog that is begging yields results.

Patience is key with our furry friends.

For example, by allowing them plenty of time to complete their job without ushering them inside too quickly.

Dogs truly appreciate such kindness from their owners, so prioritize your pet’s comfort while still setting boundaries — they won’t resent you any less!

Badly Timed Walks

woman walks with big dog in sunset

Dogs rely on routine and predictability to feel comfortable in their environment.

So when something is thrown into the mix at an unexpected time, it can be difficult for them to adjust.

Walks are a great way to help dogs expend some energy, but badly timed walks can cause them distress.

Dog owners should avoid taking their canine companions out for a walk too late or too early as it disrupts their routine and leaves them feeling confused and anxious.

Keeping the same window of time for walks every day will help your dog better acclimate to the activity and hopefully provide hours of enjoyment outdoors.

Being Scolded Without Knowing The Reason

When it comes to being scolded, many assume dogs lack the capacity to comprehend the actions and words of their owners. In reality, this is far from true.

Dogs are sensitive creatures and have a firm understanding of grasping emotions and attention.

When they get in trouble, they know they’ve done something wrong, but they might not be able to say exactly what they did wrong.

This can make them scared and confused when they are corrected without knowing why, which is a very bad experience for our dog friends.

If a puppy is doing something wrong, the best thing to do is give him or her guidance and praise when he or she does something right.

So, the dog will learn that good behavior is something good, and you’ll both feel good about what you’ve done.

Dogs are wonderful creatures that can bring us a lot of happiness.

But it’s important to remember that they’re not people. They have different needs and preferences that we need to take into account if we want to keep them happy.

By following the tips in this article, you’ll be well on your way to being a responsible dog owner who understands your furry friend’s needs. 

Before You Go…

You now know the things dogs hate.

If you want to learn more, read the following article too!

Mena Emad, DVM
Mena has a Bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine. His expertise, passion for animal welfare, extensive knowledge, and experience in the field of veterinary medicine make him an excellent resource for our readers.