11 Reasons Why Your Dog Gets Mad At You

Have you ever received a particularly fierce glare from your dog? 

It’s like they’re trying to tell you something – but what is it?

Even small behavioral changes can trigger frustration in our furry friends.

Understanding why your pup gets mad at you is critical to improving their behavior and getting them back on track.

This article shares 11 reasons why your dog gets mad at you.

Dogs Are Creatures Of Habit And Don’t Like Change 

big brown dog looking to the camera with grass in background

When their routine gets disrupted, it can often lead to them feeling anxious and irritated.

It’s important to remember that dogs need stability and consistency to feel secure, so any changes can cause distress.

They may react aggressively if unsure how to handle a new situation or an unfamiliar task.

If you must make changes, do it gradually and reward your dog with positive reinforcement.

That way, he’ll learn quickly that change doesn’t have to be bad!

You Might Be Feeding Them The Wrong Type Of Food

Dogs can be picky about what type of food and treats they eat.

And if a dog constantly gets something that isn’t their liking, they may become frustrated with their owner over time.

In addition, certain foods may not provide enough nutritional value for a dog’s diet and thus could lead to further frustration.

To prevent this, it’s important to research your pet’s dietary needs before feeding them.

This way you ensure that all their nutritional requirements are being met.

This way, you’ll be sure your pet won’t feel neglected or unsatisfied when mealtime comes around!

Tip for those just starting.

Try offering different types of food in small amounts so your pup can explore different flavors and textures – this can help him, or her find something enjoyable for every meal!

They Might Not Be Getting Enough Attention From You

man with a black dog

Due to their social nature and need for affection and companionship from their owners, dogs might grow irritated and even hostile towards them if they don’t get the attention they want and need.

Lack of attention might make your dog act destructively by chewing on your furnishings or barking nonstop when left alone.

You can make sure that your dog remains pleased and happy in your home by giving them lots of physical affection, frequent exercise, and mental stimulation (toys, playing activities, etc.).

You might be yelling at them too much

Dogs can get mad at their owners when yelled at too much because it can instill fear and insecurity in them.

Constant yelling communicates the owner’s frustration and anger, which puts the dog on edge.

When a dog feels scared or threatened, they first respond defensively by barking, growling, or cowering away from the owner. 

This reaction can make them feel even more unsafe, leading to a vicious cycle of fear and anger between humans and dogs.

The best way to reduce this emotion in your pet is to avoid using loud voices and instead use positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise when they exhibit good behavior.

Doing so will ensure your pup feels safe around you no matter what happens!

Some Dogs Simply Don’t Like Being Around Other People Or Animals

a light brown big and a white little dog walking next to each other

Dogs are complex and sensitive creatures with personalities.

So it is unsurprising that they can become frustrated or angry in situations they don’t feel comfortable in. 

Socialization with other dogs can be particularly tricky, as dogs have a different way of communicating than humans do.

Dogs are packed animals, and their relationship dynamics aren’t identical to ours.

When a human tries to push a dog into socializing with another dog, it can be perceived by the dog as an intrusion of their comfort zone and cause them to act out aggressively.

Furthermore, different breeds also react differently to socialization. For example, some breeds, such as German Shepherds, may be more prone to aggression due to their history as guard dogs. In contrast, toy breeds like Shih Tzus or Maltese may startle easily and become stressed quickly in unfamiliar environments.

This means that it is important for owners to pay attention to their dog’s body language and temperaments when introducing them to other dogs – pulling back when necessary if things seem too overwhelming for your pup.

They May Not Be Getting Enough Exercise

Dogs need appropriate exercise, play, and mental stimulation to keep them healthy and happy.

When these needs aren’t met, dogs can become bored, restless, and frustrated, leading to destructive or even aggressive behaviors.

A lack of physical exercise may increase a dog’s pent-up energy and fail to satisfy the instinctive desire for hunting and exploring.

Without proper mental stimulation, like puzzle toys or interactive games, boredom sets in, leading to misbehavior such as digging, barking, or chewing furniture.

If left unchecked negative behaviors will continue until they become ingrained in the dog’s personality, making training difficult without professional help.

An owner should make sure their dog has enough opportunities for exercise, playtime, and activities that appeal to their instincts every day, so they don’t get too mad at them!

They Could Be Feeling Anxious Or Stressed For Some Reason

little brown dog looks scared to the camera

Dogs can get mad at their owners for a variety of reasons, but one of the most common is because they could be feeling anxious or stressed.

Stress and anxiety in dogs can be caused by anything from changes in the environment to fear of unfamiliar people or animals.

Signs that your dog may feel anxious or stressed include panting, pacing, trembling, or hiding.

If you recognize any of these signs, it is important to try and identify the source of your dog’s stress.

Once you’ve identified what could be causing your pup’s anxiety, you can begin working on making them feel more secure and comfortable in their environment.

This may include providing positive reinforcement for good behavior, creating a calming space in your home, or consulting a professional canine behaviorist.

Taking the time to ensure your dog is feeling safe and secure will help ensure that they are not angry with you but instead just need some extra attention and reassurance.

Dogs Can Tell When Their Owners Are Unhappy, And It Makes Them Feel Insecure 

Dogs are incredibly perceptive creatures and can easily pick up on the emotions of their owners.

When you’re upset, your dog will often be able to sense it and become wary or scared.

Dogs can detect subtle changes in body language and facial expressions that humans may not pick up on.

This is why dogs can become anxious when their owners are irritated or angry – they sense something is wrong and become fearful.

It’s important to remember that your dog isn’t mad at you but instead feeling scared or confused. It’s best to remain calm and not project your emotions onto them.

Instead, take a step back, and breathe deeply.

If There’s A New Baby In The House, The Dog May Feel Displaced And Act Out As A Result

brown dog sleeps next to a baby

When a new baby arrives in the home, dogs can become jealous and angry.

Dogs thrive on structure and routine, so when a baby arrives, everything changes.

The dog may be used to getting all the attention and now have to share it with someone else.

Their daily routine has changed, and they are now dealing with unfamiliar smells and sounds that they may not understand or like. 

This change in their environment can make them frustrated and cause them to do things like bark more, chew on things, or even get mean to other people or animals.

Some dogs may also be possessive of their owners. If another animal comes into the house, they may feel threatened and act aggressively.

Owners should know that these changes in behavior are normal for dogs going through such a big change in their lives.

Taking steps to help their dogs get used to their new surroundings.

Spending extra time with your pet every day to do things like go for walks or play games will help them get used to their new life and show that you still care about them.

You can show them affection by petting them and giving them treats that are good for them. This will help reinforce good behavior and get rid of the stress that comes from jealousy or anger.

Neglect Or Mistreatment

Dogs are incredibly sensitive and rely on their humans for love, attention, and security.

When a dog’s basic needs are unmet, it becomes stressed and frustrated.

This can lead to behavioral issues such as aggression, barking, chewing, and other destructive behaviors.

If your dog shows any of these signs, you should look at its environment and decide what changes need to be made to make sure it is getting the care it needs.

Some of the most common problems are not getting enough exercise, not being able to go outside enough, being kept in too small an area, or being left alone for long periods of time.

If your dog isn’t getting enough attention or is being hurt, you need to make changes to meet their needs and make their environment happier and healthier. If you take care of your dog’s basic needs, it will be less likely to get mad at you.

If you believe your pet may have been neglected or mistreated in the past, it is important to address this.

This can include finding a new home, providing more attention and exercise, or bringing them to a veterinarian for an examination.

By taking these steps, you can help your pet heal from any trauma they may have experienced and rebuild the trust between you and your furry friend.

Your Dog May Become Jealous

brown dog lays on wooden floor

Dogs need to feel comfortable and secure in their surroundings.

They are pack animals that are also very emotionally bonded to their humans.

Dogs may feel envious and perceive the presence of another person or animal as a threat.

This may cause them to act aggressively or fearfully toward the other people or animals in the vicinity.

In order to keep your dog happy and pleased, make sure he feels at ease with new encounters.

In conclusion, dogs can become mad at their owners for several reasons.

It is important to recognize the signs that your pet may be feeling scared, stressed, or neglected.

That way you can take steps to address their needs and create a healthier environment.

Before You Go…

Noticing your dog is mad at you is not funny!

If you want a dog to like you, read this guide on proven ways to get a dog to like you.

Dimitra Kokologianni, DVM
Dimitra holds a Masters’s degree in public health and a Bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine. She is a versatile professional with over 7 years of experience. Her passion for animal welfare and preventive medicine makes her an excellent resource for our readers.