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Research shows common pet owner habits actually make some dogs very uncomfortable

sad looking dog dog-wow
© Pixabay

All dogs love a cuddle, right? Well, that's just one assumption we make about our dogs. So while these won't apply to every pup, here are 5 things we do that dogs don't like.

By Ashley Murphy

Published on the 20/09/2020, 10:00, Updated on the 08/02/2021, 13:25

As good pet owners, all we want to do is make our dogs happy. But sometimes we do things thinking it's in their best interest, when it's actually not.

Of course, just like humans, every dog is different. One dog's ideal is another dog's nightmare. The trick is to learn how to pick up on the signs that your pooch is uncomfortable, so that you can adapt to his/her needs accordingly! So without further ado - here are a few things we do as pet owners that can be stressful to dogs:

Leaving them alone

Dogs are social creatures. They need company, companionship, and lots of love. Some breeds, like the Greyhound, are quite comfortable with a bit of alone time. Still, this should always be kept to a minimum.

Not letting them smell stuff

Imagine you're eating a delicious meal. But after the first few tasty bites, the waiter comes and takes it away. How frustrated would you be? Well, this is exactly how your dog feels when you don't let them smell stuff during walkies. So be a little more patient.

Hugging them

This one can come as a surprise for some owners, but your dog might not enjoy all those cuddles. Dogs can interpret cuddles as a sign of dominance. So keep an eye out for distress signals. If they yawn, grunt, or fold their ears flat, chill out on the cuddles. Of course, every dog is different, and some love to cuddle!

Pretending to throw the ball

We've all done it. You go to throw the ball, but then hide it behind your back instead. Fido runs off, stops, and then comes back looking pretty confused. It's funny the first few times. But if you keep doing it, your furry friend will get frustrated, anxious, and they won't enjoy playtime.

Learn how to earn a dog's trust and build a healthy and happy relationship.

Being sad!

Dogs have a six-sense when it comes to human emotions. They know when we're happy and can also pick up on negative feelings. In fact, research shows that when we get stressed, our dogs get stressed, too. So put the negative feelings aside and spend some quality time with your best friend. You'll both feel better!