Bringing a dog into your life is a big deal. However, it’s best to remember that dogs are not furry humans, although we may think otherwise. Dogs have different needs and wants to us and will react in different ways when you reach out to them. So here is a list of everyday things we all do with our dogs that they may not like. Hugging Hugging is one of the most common interactions between people and their dogs. However, while we love sharing affection with our dogs, the feeling may not be mutual. The force we apply when hugging can be read as a sign of dominance in the dog world.Initially, some dogs will keep their cool by simply greeting you with a wagging tail or a bark because they are too distracted by the smell of the new treats you hold in your hand. On the other hand, dogs that tense up may need just a little bit more time to warm up to you. Watch for changes in body language (ears back, tail tucked between legs…), and take these signs as an indication that the level of affection should be toned down. You Talk too much Talking to your dog can be great for them, but you should also be able to read their body language and cues. Dogs are experts at reading our body language and will always try to respond in the same way. This is how they communicate with us and vice versa. When we talk too much to our dogs, it might make them confused. Dogs are also very effective at reading our emotions. Without body language and gestures, they might not understand what you're trying to communicate. Consider using more gestures and body motions when talking to your dog instead of always relying on words. Dogs can easily understand human emotions through gestures like head tilts, eye contact, and hand gestures. This is a human-to-human thing that should be applied to dog-human communication as well. One of the best things about dogs is that they're so easy to talk to. Petting their head Dogs, like most animals, don't appreciate it when their personal space is invaded, and it can feel threatening to be touched from above (where they may not be able to see it coming!). Your dog may generally accept a simple pat on the head, but that's usually more for your benefit than theirs. Instead, Opt to reward and pat them on their backs; they’ll love you all the more for it. Forcing them to interact with other dogs and people You should never force your dog to interact with other people or dogs - Forcing your dog to interact with a person, family or dog that they don't like will be more stressful for them and could result in an aversion to people or dogs. For example, if you are walking your pet and come across a young child that you know your dog does not get along with, you may feel it necessary to introduce them. You may push your dog into a situation that they do not wish to be in. This can result in the child being scared, the parents being nervous, you being embarrassed, and most importantly, your dog being very stressed. Your dog may now associate children with negative experiences. They may behave aggressively towards children for Things you do that your dog hates the rest of their lives, creating a lot of unnecessary stress for you and themselves. It is a good idea to socialise your dog with other dogs but never force them to do something they simply do not want to do. Like humans, not all dogs are going to like certain dogs, and that is ok. Strick Walks Going out on a walk is one of your dog’s favourite things to do. When walking them, it's essential to give them some time to acknowledge their surroundings. This includes waiting for them to finish smelling whatever is occupying their sense of smell at the time. So dog rush every walk, dogs crave enrichment on their walks and sniffing provide them with the crucial mental stimulation they need. In a future post, we will give you some tips on taking your dog on sniffari in your local area.
Bringing a dog into your life is a big deal. However, it’s best to remember that dogs are not furry humans, although we may think otherwise. Dogs have different needs and wants to us and will react in different ways when you reach out to them.So here is a list of everyday things we all do with our dogs that they may not like.Hugging Hugging is one of the most common interactions between people and their dogs. However, while we love sharing affection with our dogs, the feeling may not be mutual. The force we apply when hugging can be read as a sign of dominance in the dog world.Initially, some dogs will keep their cool by simply greeting you with a wagging tail or a bark because they are too distracted by the smell of the new treats you hold in your hand. On the other hand, dogs that tense up may need just a little bit more time to warm up to you. Watch for changes in body language (ears back, tail tucked between legs…), and take these signs as an indication that the level of affection should be toned down.You Talk too muchTalking to your dog can be great for them, but you should also be able to read their body language and cues. Dogs are experts at reading our body language and will always try to respond in the same way. This is how they communicate with us and vice versa. When we talk too much to our dogs, it might make them confused. Dogs are also very effective at reading our emotions. Without body language and gestures, they might not understand what you're trying to communicate. Consider using more gestures and body motions when talking to your dog instead of always relying on words. Dogs can easily understand human emotions through gestures like head tilts, eye contact, and hand gestures. This is a human-to-human thing that should be applied to dog-human communication as well.One of the best things about dogs is that they're so easy to talk to.Petting their headDogs, like most animals, don't appreciate it when their personal space is invaded, and it can feel threatening to be touched from above (where they may not be able to see it coming!). Your dog may generally accept a simple pat on the head, but that's usually more for your benefit than theirs. Instead, Opt to reward and pat them on their backs; they’ll love you all the more for it.Forcing them to interact with other dogs and people You should never force your dog to interact with other people or dogs - Forcing your dog to interact with a person, family or dog that they don't like will be more stressful for them and could result in an aversion to people or dogs. For example, if you are walking your pet and come across a young child that you know your dog does not get along with, you may feel it necessary to introduce them. You may push your dog into a situation that they do not wish to be in. This can result in the child being scared, the parents being nervous, you being embarrassed, and most importantly, your dog being very stressed. Your dog may now associate children with negative experiences. They may behave aggressively towards children for Things you do that your dog hates the rest of their lives, creating a lot of unnecessary stress for you and themselves. It is a good idea to socialise your dog with other dogs but never force them to do something they simply do not want to do. Like humans, not all dogs are going to like certain dogs, and that is ok. Strick Walks Going out on a walk is one of your dog’s favourite things to do. When walking them, it's essential to give them some time to acknowledge their surroundings. This includes waiting for them to finish smelling whatever is occupying their sense of smell at the time. So dog rush every walk, dogs crave enrichment on their walks and sniffing provide them with the crucial mental stimulation they need. In a future post, we will give you some tips on taking your dog on sniffari in your local area.
