Six Things You Think Your Dog Likes, But They Don’t

We tend to treat our animals as if they were people. While they love many of our attitudes, there are some they don’t like as much. In this article, we explain what things you think your dog likes when they actually don’t. You will be surprised!

Don’t traumatize your dog with things he doesn’t like

Doing things your dog doesn’t like isn’t fun. Even if your pet is the most wonderful being on earth, there are some things he can’t stand about you or your family. That’s right. It is difficult for dogs to express disappointment, but it can be noticed by paying attention to their expressions or movements. Here are the things that our dog doesn’t like.

1. The words

Not only because we don’t share the same language, but also because animals express themselves more with the body. We humans love to talk nonstop, even when others don’t understand us. Animals do not have all the words we use in their internal dictionary.

Even though they can sense some of them because they have heard them many times (such as food, walk, walk, toy, etc.), they don’t understand us. So, if you want him to carry out an order, you have to be direct in the ways and also practice several times so that the dog associates a word with an activity. All the additional “chatter” (which can be very nice to explain why you go to work or didn’t bring him a gift) is nonsense.

2. The “beautiful high” sticks

When we are playing with our dog in the park or at home, one of the games we play the most is the typical “I lift a stick so you can jump as high as you can”. It may be fun for you, but not for him. Indeed, by doing so, we also increase his levels of anxiety and distress.

In addition, it can suffer physical damage, as jumping vertically causes injuries to the hind legs. Any toy you want to share with your dog must be “up to it”. Also, avoid pretending to pull the stick, to avoid frustration and helplessness.

3. Hugs

Nobody denies that you love your pet and that you want to show him your affection at all times, as you can with a friend, your companion or your family. However, the dog doesn’t really like being pressed against you and surrounded by your arms.

Since dogs don’t hug each other, hugging him because you feel like it can cause him considerable stress. If another animal puts a paw on its back, it indicates domination, not affection. Even if you are the “leader of the pack”, try not to make this kind of contact with him. Maybe he never did anything to you, but you don’t know how he might react. Many dogs bite or attack in a similar situation, and it is simply an unconscious act of defense.

4. Caresses (when afraid)

Gently stroking your dog is nice for him, because he feels loved, and he will surely ask for more cuddles when you leave. However, if he feels threatened or frightened, these caresses will turn into a warning or “something’s not right” signal.

For example, during a storm or a party, he is likely to be afraid. Do not make the mistake of caressing or hugging him, as this will increase his fears and despair. His thought will be the following: “something terrible is happening, that’s why they pamper me more than usual”.

5. Look him in the eye

This concerns unknown dogs, because they interpret this “affront” as a danger or a threat. For dogs, eye contact is very important, and if this develops for a long time, it can cause nervousness and discomfort. He may also decide to attack you as you try to get close.

6. Repetitive games

In addition to the classic top stick game, there is also another one that dogs hate: when you throw the ball at him many times. At first he will like it, he will go looking for her happy and bring her back to you. But by the fifth time (for example) he will be tired and bored. In that case you shouldn’t force him to keep playing.

Carefully analyze your pet’s signals. If he looks at you after you have thrown the ball at him, if he doesn’t run to look for it but walks, or if instead of bringing it back he goes to the doghouse or on the bed, it means that the game is over for him. Don’t insist!