Errant human! Elevate your pet parenting prowess by deciphering the true musings of your canine companion and steering clear of these prevalently egregious missteps.
14. Pet peeves
You procure premium sustenance for your canine. You embark on daily promenades. You present the most delectable treats fathomable. What could possibly be amiss? Quite a bit, according to your four-legged confidant. “As much as we detest admitting it, dogs are not human,” asserts Leslie Brown, DVM, a veterinarian stationed in Marietta, Georgia. “They’re loyal, so they’ll endure a plethora of human eccentricities, but their physical and emotional requisites are distinctly different.” Unsure of your dog’s preferences or aversions? Delve deeper for the insights, and discern whether your dog is truly content.
13. Hugging
Have you ever pondered why your dog becomes immobile when you attempt a hearty embrace? Dr. Brown elucidates the matter succinctly. “Most dogs abhor being hugged,” she explains. “It can incite significant anxiety in some canines.” If you find it challenging to refrain from hugging your pup—or if a child in your household is fond of giving doggy hugs—Dr. Brown recommends a different approach. Engage from the side, at your dog’s eye level, and allow her to come to you. “Proffer contact, not constraint,” she counsels. “If your dog leans into you, she’s comfortable with it. If she resists, release her.” Does your dog enjoy leaning on you? Here’s what she might
12. Avoiding nail clipping
Does your dog bolt at the sight of nail clippers? She’s not an outlier. “Most dogs despise nail clipping, ear checks, and mouth exams,” notes Nori Warren, DVM, a veterinarian at Four Paws Animal Clinic in Columbia, South Carolina. “Nevertheless, these tasks are essential. Overgrown nails can cause discomfort, and routine ear inspections can detect infections early.”
To alleviate the stress of nail trimming, Dr. Warren recommends regularly and gently handling your dog’s paws, ears, and teeth, using treats to create a positive association. Before attempting it yourself, practice the proper technique under the guidance of a vet or groomer. Also, consider investing in a high-quality pair of dog nail clippers to ensure a smooth process.
11. Going for walks when it’s really hot
If it has been ages since you traversed a scorching sidewalk barefoot, consider giving it a try before embarking on a summer afternoon walk with your dog. Falls Village Veterinary Hospital points out that if the pavement is too hot for your feet, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws as well. Burned paw pads aren’t the only hazard—heat stroke is also a serious concern.
“Dogs cool themselves by panting, but it’s not particularly effective, especially in hot, humid weather,” explains Gary Yarnell, DVM, from Rye Harrison Veterinary Hospital in Rye, New York. To ensure your dog’s safety, shift your walks and runs to early mornings or late afternoons, allowing your dog to exercise comfortably throughout the year.
Concerned that your dog might not be getting enough outdoor time? Discover how much exercise your dog truly needs to stay healthy and happy.
10. Allowing leash pulling
Some dogs seem so focused on reaching their destination that they entirely disregard the person holding the leash. This behavior is not only hazardous but also frustrating. However, it is not an inevitable problem. “When your dog pulls on the leash, it indicates she’s focused on something other than you,” explains Fred Zorn, a New Jersey-based dog trainer and creator of the kids’ video dog-training series Pipe Cleaner Pups. “Your objective is to teach the dog to want to stay with you. This transforms the leash from a tool of control into a means of communication.”
If conventional methods aren’t effective, consider using a headcollar like the Gentle Leader. Additionally, avoid making other common puppy training mistakes that you might regret later.
9. Not setting boundaries
Just as you wouldn’t let your toddler wander unsupervised in your home, setting boundaries for your dog is equally important. “Boundaries keep your dog safe,” says Melony Phillips, a certified professional dog trainer and owner of Delightful Dog in Marietta, Georgia. She suggests letting your dog drag a six-foot-long leash around the house. “When she ventures into an off-limits area, step on the leash. When she pauses and looks back at you, offer a reward and redirect her,” she advises. “Just don’t tug on the leash—it’s a teaching tool, not a control device. When you’re not around, ensure her success by blocking access to restricted areas.”
For more insights, explore these additional training secrets from professional dog trainers.
8. Being predictable with games
For many dogs, outdoor playtime is synonymous with chasing a ball, but they enjoy other games as well. One favorite is tug-of-war. “Dogs love tug-of-war, and it doesn’t foster aggression, especially if you alternate who wins,” says Meaghan Ropski, DVM, a veterinarian and clinical behavior resident at the Animal Behavior Wellness Center in Fairfax, Virginia. Tug-of-war also teaches an essential skill: impulse control. “If teeth or nails touch your skin, the game ends,” Dr. Ropski explains. “Dogs quickly learn to play within safe boundaries.”
Melony Phillips, a certified professional dog trainer, plays a training game called Automatic Check-In with her canine students. This game involves rewarding dogs with treats when they look at her without being prompted. “The more your dog looks at you, the more you can guide him,” she notes. To make training even more enticing, try making a batch of these homemade dog treats.
7. Forcing friendships with other dogs
While some dogs thrive in the bustling environment of a dog park, others find it daunting. Your role is to help your dog discover her comfort zone. “Not every dog is a social butterfly,” observes Dr. Ropski. “Dogs vary in confidence levels. Some may do well with one dog but feel uneasy in larger groups.” For such dogs, Dr. Ropski recommends forming a small circle of trusted dog friends or limiting interactions to one dog at a time. “Above all, avoid forcing your dog into uncomfortable situations,” she advises. “Fearful dogs can react defensively.”
If you’re unsure how to ensure your dog’s happiness, it can be beneficial to understand other actions that dogs may dislike.
6. Changing the rules
If there’s one undeniable truth about dogs, it’s their unwavering desire to please their humans. So, why does your dog sometimes seem unresponsive? The likely culprit is inconsistency. “Consistency is key because it establishes the connection between a situation and the desired response from your dog,” explains Dr. Ropski. “Using different commands for the same action, like saying ‘down’ instead of ‘off,’ can confuse your dog.” Dr. Ropski advises establishing a daily routine and adhering to it. “This helps your dog anticipate activities and prevents interruptions during your work time.” Because pets thrive on predictability, here are 10 more essential daily activities for your dog.
5. Only training at home
Anyone who has experience owning a dog understands this scenario well: Your dog excels at home—sitting, staying, and responding when called. However, in new environments, it’s as if she forgets everything she’s learned. Melony Phillips explains that this is perfectly normal. “People tend to practice commands at specific times and in specific places, which makes the dog proficient in those particular settings,” she clarifies. “To achieve your goal, such as taking her to a store, start with small steps like training in the parking lot on a quiet day. If she performs well, progress to the next level. If she becomes too excited and stops listening, it means you’re moving too quickly. Keep practicing, reward good behavior with treats, and she will improve over time.” These are additional signs that your dog may benefit from obedience training.
4. Not paying attention to body language
Although dogs cannot verbally communicate, they convey their thoughts through body language. “Dogs communicate with their bodies,” states Dr. Brown. “Understanding your dog and learning her unique signals is crucial for interpreting her needs, advocating for her, and minimizing her stress.” While some behaviors, such as leaning in for attention, are widely recognized, dogs exhibit a wide range of anxiety signals, from freezing in place to peculiar tail movements. “Observing how your dog reacts in different situations will help you interpret her signals and potentially prevent issues,” Dr. Brown advises. “Pay close attention to your dog’s tail, eyes, ears, and overall posture.” By understanding these cues, you can foster a stronger bond and ensure your dog feels secure.
3. Ignoring her
Not everyone has the time or energy to engage in play every time their dog fetches a toy, but it’s essential to set aside daily moments for one-on-one interaction. “Dogs are social creatures and require more than just food and shelter,” emphasizes Dr. Yarnell, highlighting the importance of extra attention when introducing a new baby to the household. “One moment your dog feels like a valued family member, and the next she may feel excluded,” he explains. “This sudden change can be distressing and might lead to behavioral issues.” Familiarize yourself with these 15 signs that your dog might be harboring some discontent.
2. Patting her head
Similar to hugging, patting a dog on the head can be perceived as a gesture of dominance, especially for dogs with a history of abuse, explains Dr. Warren. “Many dogs find the downward movement intimidating, which may lead to behaviors like closing their eyes, flinching, or moving away from your hand,” she says. If you notice these signs of being head shy, Dr. Warren advises starting with gentle touches under the chest and gradually progressing to scratch behind the ears.
If your dog begins to show unusual aversion to having her head touched, Dr. Warren suggests carefully examining her head and ears. “She could be experiencing an ear infection or toothache,” she points out. Learn more about identifying signs that your dog may be experiencing discomfort or pain.
1. Skimping on chew toys
When left to their own devices, dogs often make poor choices in what they decide to chew on—table legs, shoes, throw pillows, you name it. However, sometimes we unknowingly contribute to the problem. One surprising item on the no-chew list is tennis balls. “Tennis balls are fun for fetching, but allowing a dog to gnaw on them for extended periods can wear down the enamel on her teeth,” explains Dr. Brown. “The fuzzy surface acts like a Brillo pad. Depending on your dog’s size, consider using a racquetball or even a lacrosse ball instead.”
Another item to avoid is anything hard or brittle. “Dogs have powerful jaws that can easily fracture cooked bones, antlers, and pig ears,” Dr. Brown warns. “This can result in broken teeth, cuts to gums, or pose a choking hazard.” If your dog enjoys chewing, opt for toys that are virtually indestructible to ensure their safety and dental health.