5 things you do that dogs can’t stand

Dogs don't always growl when you do things they don't like. If you often hug your dog, it may well just suffer through it.
Dogs don't always growl when you do things they don't like. If you often hug your dog, it may well just suffer through it.

Dog owners rarely want to annoy their pets. But, sadly, many owners unknowingly put their dogs through things that they don’t like almost every day.

You shouldn’t always take it as a good sign that your dog closes his eyes when you pat his head, for example. This isn’t a sign he’s enjoying the moment – he’s probably closing his eyes to protect himself.

Most of the time your pet will let these kinds of irritations – be they small or big – pass silently or try to send small signals of unwillingness with body language.

Unfortunately, most of us don’t notice these signs. But animal welfare experts want owners to watch out for indications of possible distress.

1Blowing in their noses or ears: Dog owners sometimes find it amusing to blow in their dog’s face to see the cute face they make. But for four-legged friends it’s anything but funny. They feel uncomfortable with what they regard as strange behaviour, and will eventually start to flinch or avoid you when you get close.

2Staring: This is a threatening gesture for a dog, which it perceives as an intimidation attempt to impose dominance. It is better to avoid eye contact.

3Hugging: It might feel like a loving gesture, but in practice it can just make a dog feel restricted in its freedom of movement. They will often yawn, lick their lips or put their ears back to demonstrate they are feeling stressed when you hold them close.

4Making exceptions: As a pack animal, dogs appreciate clear rules and do not understand exceptions. If, for example, they are usually never allowed on the sofa, but then suddenly are when you’re ill, they get confused. Consistency is very important.

5 – The same walk over and over: This will bore your pets, especially if they are not allowed to stop and sniff around. It’s much better to explore new paths, and incorporate small obedience and skill games into the walk.

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